Enzyme catalysis in biological fuel cells

Abstract

Abstract Biocatalysts represent a compelling alternative to precious metals as catalysts for low‐temperature fuel cell power systems. Enzymatic catalysts capable of reducing oxygen or oxidizing small organic molecules can be less expensive and manufacturable, and have favorable reaction selectivity as compared to precious metals. The key barriers to realization of practical biocatalyzed fuel cells are the insufficient current, power, and lifetime achievable with current devices. Recently, significant progress has been made in addressing these issues, from the standpoint of fundamental studies of electron transfer to enzymes, mediation of enzyme‐catalyzed reactions, and immobilization of enzymes in materials that confer stability and high surface area for heterogeneous reactions. In this article, we introduce concepts in enzyme catalysis for energy applications and describe important recent progress.

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Identifiers

DOI

10.1002/9780470974001.f500006

Journal

Handbook of Fuel Cells

Year

2010