stable enzyme electrode - Isis Project No 3123

Hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells benefit from a new laccase-coated electrode that gives better lifetime and higher efficiency.

MARKETING OPPORTUNITY

Enzyme-based fuel cells are of interest in applications requiring quick start-up, low power and ease of recycling. No expensive platinum or other precious metals are used. However, enzyme electrodes have limited lifetime. Laccase enzymes are typically used for the oxygen side of the fuel cell; this is an essential part of the fuel cell reaction in which oxygen combines with the hydrogen fuel, to form electricity, with water as a by-product. 

Typical fuel cell design

THE OXFORD INVENTION

Researchers at Oxford have developed a new coated graphite electrode. Laccase electrodes made with the coating have double the active lifetime of the best previous literature reports, together with excellent activity.  The coating provides a stable point of attachment for the laccase enzyme, and delivers electrons efficiently from the graphite electrode right into the heart of the enzyme where they are needed. This improvement in stability and activity is a key step towards realising commercially viable enzyme fuel cells.

For further reading, see Chem. Commun., 2007, 1710-1712

PATENT STATUS

This work is the subject of a patent application, and Isis would like to talk to companies interested in developing the commercial opportunity that this represents. Please contact the Isis Project Manager to discuss this further.

Keywords: laccase, laccase enzyme, biological fuel cell, enzyme fuel cell, coated graphite, electrode laccase, electrode laccase, cathode fuel cell, quick startup, quick start-up

Request Further Information: Project Number 3123 - Stable Enzyme Electrode