Nanomaterials based biofuel cells: A review

Biofuel cells (BFCs) are the devices made to transform the chemical energy of organic matter to electrical energy utilizing metabolic reactions occurring in microorganisms during degradation of organic contaminants. In spite of having many applications such as waste water treatment, biosensors and portable uses of BFCs, promoting the uses of BFCs is very challenging because of short life-time and low-power density. Most of the BFC developed till date is only capable to fulfill energy needs of biomedical short-term implanted devices. Use of materials with nano dimensions in the construction of BFCs has been studied extensively and reported as a worthwhile strategy to increase its efficiency. Usually, it is difficult to achieve efficient electron transfer on planar electrode from biocatalyst due to its non-specific orientational the interface. Nonmaterials provide close wiring for the electron transfer between biocatalyst and electrode. Use of various nano materials is the most effective way to decrease the gap between active sites (electron producing area)deep inside the enzyme or proteins and the electrodes to achieve better electron transfer. Also, various nanomaterials are utilized to improve the membrane materials for better electron barrier. Many carbon nanostructures, conducting polymers, metal and metal oxides are promising nonmaterials to enhance the current output from BFC. This review highlights recent progress registered in the development of various nanomaterials for construction of electrode and membranes of biofuel cells for better efficiency. It also emphasized the utilization of different metallic nanomaterials, inorganic nanomaterials, conducting polymer-based nanomaterials and carbon-based nano materials such as graphene, fullerenes, and carbon nanotubes. (c) 2021 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Biofuel cells (BFCs) utilize metabolic reactions in microorganisms to transform the chemical energy of organic matter into electrical energy, but face challenges such as short life-time and low-power density. The use of nano materials is a key strategy to enhance the efficiency of BFCs, improving electron transfer and current output through various nanostructures. Different metallic nanomaterials, inorganic nanomaterials, conducting polymer-based nanomaterials, and carbon-based nano materials are utilized to construct electrodes and membranes for better performance of BFCs.