Improvement of power generation of enzyme fuel cell by novel GO/Co/chitosan electrodeposition

An enzyme fuel cell (EFC) using composite graphite oxide/ cobalt/chitosan (GO/Co/chitosan) mediator is prepared to convert chemical energy into electrical energy. The degree of chitosan deacetylation affects physicochemical and electrochemical properties of the EFC. The soluble molecular weight of chitosan polymer influences the viscosity of chitosan solution. Also, the solubility of chitosan influences the electrochemical properties of the EFC assembled by electrodeposition of GO/Co/chitosan mediator particles on electrodes. EFC performance could be improved by addition of acetic acid during deacetylation. Acetic acid (5% (v/v)) showed an efficient electron transfer between the mediator and electrolyte in the EFC. The EFC produced a potential voltage of -0.548 V vs. Ag/AgCI with power density of 1198.09 mu W/cm(2). The power generation was the highest at slightly acidic condition and without addition of cofactor. This study shows the efficient participation of chitosan on electron transfer in EFC application. (C) 2019 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.