Abstract: Lithium ion batteries, electrodes, nanofibers, and methods for producing same are disclosed herein. Provided herein are batteries having (a) increased energy density; (b) decreased pulverization (structural disruption due to volume expansion during lithiation/de-lithiation processes); and/or (c) increased lifetime. In some embodiments described herein, using high throughput, water-based electrospinning process produces nanofibers of high energy capacity materials (e.g., ceramic) with nanostructures such as discrete crystal domains, mesopores, hollow cores, and the like; and such nanofibers providing reduced pulverization and increased charging rates when they are used in anodic or cathodic materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible electrode, a biofuel cell using the same, and a method for manufacturing the same. The electrode according to the present invention comprises: a non-electrically conductive substrate (10); a base layer (20) disposed on the outer surface of the substrate (10); a nanoparticle layer (31) including metallic nanoparticles and disposed on the outer surface of the base layer (20); and a monomolecular layer (33) including a monomolecular material having an amine group and disposed on the outer surface of the nanoparticle layer (31).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to metal alloys for biosensors. An electrode is made from ruthenium metal or a ruthenium-based alloy. The resulting electrode has physical and electrical property advantages when compared with existing pure metal electrodes.

Abstract: The invention concerns a bioelectrode and a device comprising same, for detecting or oxidising glucose. The bioelectrode of the invention comprises a layer of carbon nano tubes to which aromatic molecules are bonded, and FAD-GDH enzymes being adsorbed on the aromatic molecules. The invention applies to the field of biosensors and biofuel cells in particular.

Abstract: Bioelectrochemical systems comprising a microbial fuel cell (MFC) or a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) are provided. Either type of system is capable of fermenting insoluble or soluble biomass, with the MFC capable of using a consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) organism to also hydrolyze an insoluble biomass, and an electricigen to produce electricity. In contrast, the MEC relies on electricity input into the system, a fermentative organism and an electricigen to produce fermentative products such as ethanol and 1,3-propanediol from a polyol biomass (e.g., containing glycerol). Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: Lithium ion batteries, electrodes, nanofibers, and methods for producing same are disclosed herein. Provided herein are batteries having (a) increased energy density; (b) decreased pulverization (structural disruption due to volume expansion during lithiation/de-lithiation processes); and/or (c) increased lifetime. In some embodiments described herein, using high throughput, water-based electrospinning process produces nanofibers of high energy capacity materials (e.g., ceramic) with nanostructures such as discrete crystal domains, mesopores, hollow cores, and the like; and such nanofibers providing reduced pulverization and increased charging rates when they are used in anodic or cathodic materials.

Abstract: Method of desalination and wastewater treatment in a microbial desalination cell reactor is provided, the microbial desalination cell reactor has three compartments, an anodic compartment, a cathodic compartment and a saline compartment, the method is carried out by (a) adding electrically conductive particles or electrically conductive material in the anodic compartment and cathodic compartment, (b) adding bacteria species of the genus Geobacter in the anodic compartment and several solutions in the compartments (c) replacing the solutions in the cathodic compartment and in the saline compartment and (d) oxidizing organic matter present in wastewater by bacteria from the genus Geobacter in the anodic compartment and desalinating the solution in the saline compartment and (e)after 20 to 30 operation cycles, replacing the solution in the saline compartment by a solution of hypochlorite salt.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method including providing an anode and a cathode; providing a desalination device operably coupled to establish an electrical potential between the anode and the cathode when the desalination device is operating; providing water containing dissolved solids; thereby establishing the electrical potential; reducing a salinity of the water by supplying the water to the desalination device; and generating electrical power by reducing the salinity of the water.

Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate enhancing the energy storage capabilities of MnO2 in nanowire energy storage devices such as nanowire-based capacitors or batteries.

Abstract: Supercapacitive bioelectrical systems (SC-BESs) wherein the anode and cathode act as electrodes for a self-powered internal supercapacitor. The BES may further be enhanced by the use of optimized catalysts and enzymes to increase cell voltage and the use of a third capacitive electrode (AdE) short-circuited to the BES cathode and coupled to the BES anode to improve the power output of the self-powered internal supercapacitor.

Abstract: Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) that employ bioactive materials at the anode and alkaline metal ions at the cathode. The bioactive materials can include microbes and/or enzymes to convert an organic feed stock into electron donors to be received at the anode. The MFCs can beneficially be housed in an anaerobic environment.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising first and second electrodes (201, 202) separated by an electrolyte (203), the first and second electrodes (201, 202) configured to exhibit a potential difference therebetween on interaction of the first electrode (201) with an analyte, wherein the first electrode (201) is configured such that its electrical conductance and electrochemical potential are dependent upon the amount of analyte present, the electrical conductance and electrochemical potential of the first electrode (201) affecting the potential difference between the first and second electrodes (201, 202), and wherein the apparatus comprises respective first and second terminals (204, 205) configured for electrical connection to a readout circuit to enable determination of the presence and/or amount of analyte based on the potential difference.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides engineered photosynthetic cells and organisms, methods for engineering photosynthetic cells and organisms with increased extracellular electron transport, photo-bioelectrochemical cells (PBECs), anodes for a PBECs and/or photosynthetic microbial fuel cells (PMFCs), methods of generating an electrical current with PBECs, and methods and systems for generating H2 fuel.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly includes a membrane, a gas diffusion layer and a catalyst layer between the membrane and the gas diffusion layer. The catalyst layer comprises catalyst comprising active catalyst particles supported on support particles, a proton conducting ionomer and a phospholipid containing soluble oxygen. One method of preparation includes preparing a catalyst solution comprising a solvent and catalyst, adding proton conducting ionomer to the catalyst solution to form a catalyst ink, saturating a solution of solvent and a phospholipid with oxygen and mixing the saturated phospholipid with the catalyst ink.

Abstract: An electrolyte solution for a secondary lithium battery, the electrolyte solution including: a lithium salt, a non-aqueous organic solvent, and a phenanthroline-based compound having a polar substituent. The electrolyte solution enables production of a secondary lithium battery having a good high-temperature lifetime characteristics and good high-temperature preservation characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microbial fuel cells, which can be prepared from easily available starting material. The microbial fuel cell of the present disclosure comprises an anode chamber having an anode and a cathode chamber having a cathode. The anode chamber is filled with a mixture comprising a buffer solution, nutrients and a microbial inoculum. The cathode chamber is filled with a catholyte mediator and an electron mediator. The cathode chamber and the anode chamber are connected with each other via a salt bridge; the cathode and the anode is connected through an external electrical circuit, with the anode chamber sealed to maintain anaerobic condition and the cathode chamber is maintained in aerobic condition.

Abstract: A microbial fuel cell and a method for generating an electric current using the microbial fuel cell are disclosed. The microbial fuel cell comprises a housing provided with multiple cell compartments. The cell compartments includes an anode compartment having an anode in a side, and a cathode compartment having a cathode on another side separated by an ion exchange membrane. The anode is a carbon cloth modified with a graphene electrode comprising high-surface-area graphene nanoparticles attached to a biocatalyst. The cathode is a carbon cloth modified with a platinum electrode immersed in a medium. The anode and cathode are electrically connected to one another via a resistance to generate electricity. The large specific surface area and biocompatibility of the graphene anode in the microbial fuel cell increases the bacterial biofilm formation and charge transfer efficiency.

Abstract: Methods and systems for hydrogen production or production of a reduced target molecule are described, wherein a nicotinamide co-factor dependent membrane hydrogenase or a nicotinamide co-factor dependent membrane enzyme presented on a nanolipoprotein adsorbed onto an electrically conductive supporting structure, which can preferably be chemically inert, is contacted with protons or a target molecule to be reduced and nicotinamide cofactors in presence of an electric current and one or more electrically driven redox mediators.

Abstract: A biological supercapacitor comprising at least one pair of electrodes that comprise immobilized biological materials that includes enzymes. The enzymes are immobilized to the electrodes and may be isolated enzymes, enzyme cascades comprising multiple enzymes, whole cells, organelles from cells, or parts of organelles from cells. An aspect of the disclosed biological supercapacitor is that a byproduct is water. The disclosed biological supercapacitor combines the energy density of a battery with the power density of a supercapacitor in order to reduce the size and weight of the energy storage devices. Methods of fabrication and of use of the biological supercapacitor are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a metal gas diffusion layer made of a metal porous body, the method includes forming a conductive layer of carbon film layer on the metal porous body, and forming a water-repellent layer on the metal porous body formed with the conductive layer. The forming a water-repellent layer includes coating a solution containing a fluorine resin which constitutes the water-repellent layer and a volatile component which does not constitute the water-repellent layer on the metal porous body, and heat-treating the metal porous body coated with the solution at or above a temperature at which a component which contains the volatile component and which does not constitute the water-repellent layer contained in the solution and less than a temperature at which an electrical resistance of the conductive layer is increased and electron conductivity is deteriorated to thereby form the water-repellent layer composed of the fluorine resin.

Abstract: An electrolysis cell includes an anode that has a low-density region formed from activated carbon and a high-density region formed from a plurality of graphite cylinders. There is a porous barrier that allows transport of water between the anode and a corrosion resistant cathode.

Abstract: A method of enzyme conversion comprises the steps of immobilising an enzyme composition on a support material; drying the support material and enzyme composition to form a solid phase immobilised enzyme system; contacting the system with one or more reagents in the gas phase; allowing the enzyme system to convert the reagent(s) to product(s); wherein the enzyme composition may comprise a single enzyme or a first enzyme plus a second enzyme or multiple enzymes; and a co-factor which may be converted between first and second states; wherein the co-factor in the first state promotes reaction of the first enzyme; and wherein the co-factor in the second state promotes reaction of the second enzyme; or wherein the co-factor oscillates between first and second states with multiple enzymes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for generating electricity from an effluent source. In the presence of electrogenic bacteria and substrate electrodes, an electroactive biofilm is produced which possesses bioconductive capacity for efficiently producing an electric current while treating an effluent source such as, e.g., wastewater. This disclosure relates generally to the production of electricity from a biological source. In particular, this disclosure relates to microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and other bioelectrochemical systems (BES) that exploit an exogenous fuel source.

Abstract: An electrode includes a plant-derived porous carbon material having an ability to catalyze oxygen reduction.

Abstract: A small and high-density biofuel cell capable of easily supplying fuel; and an electronic apparatus are provided. The biofuel cell is formed using a stack in which two power generating bodies that include at least a pair of electrodes and a separator are stacked through a gas diffusion layer through which only gas is permeable, the electrodes forming an anode and a cathode and having at least one surface on which an oxidoreductase is present, the separator being arranged between the electrodes and including a proton permeable membrane. In addition, cathode-side surfaces of the respective power generating bodies of the stack are arranged in contact with the gas diffusion layer. This biofuel cell is mounted on the electronic apparatus.

Abstract: A fuel cell has an anode and a cathode with anode enzyme disposed on the anode and cathode enzyme is disposed on the cathode. The anode is configured and arranged to electrooxidize an anode reductant in the presence of the anode enzyme. Likewise, the cathode is configured and arranged to electroreduce a cathode oxidant in the presence of the cathode enzyme. In addition, anode redox hydrogel may be disposed on the anode to transduce a current between the anode and the anode enzyme and cathode redox hydrogel may be disposed on the cathode to transduce a current between the cathode and the cathode enzyme.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for implementing a biofuel cell device for extracting energy from a biofuel. In one aspect, a biofuel cell device includes a substrate, an anode including a catalyst to facilitate the conversion of a fuel in a biological fluid in an oxidative process that releases electrons captured at the anode, thereby extracting energy from the fuel substance, a cathode configured on the substrate adjacent to the anode and separated from the anode by a spacing region, and a load electrically coupled to the anode and cathode via electrical interconnects to obtain the extracted energy as electrical energy.

Abstract: Provided is a microbial fuel cell (MFC). The MFC includes a microfluidic element having an inlet portion and an outlet portion for intake and discharge of a culture fluid containing cells and a microchannel portion for capturing the cells and interconnecting the inlet portion and the outlet portion, a microprobe-array element having microprobes as anodes for extracting electrons produced during a metabolic process of the cells, and delivering the extracted electrons to an external circuit outside the cells, and a cathode for delivering the electrons used in the external circuit to an electron acceptor outside the cells. The microprobes penetrate the microfluidic element and are inserted into a plurality of single cells captured by the microchannel portion when the microfluidic element and the microprobe-array element are coupled together. The microprobes are separated from the single cells when the microfluidic element and the microprobe-array element are separated from each other.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of producing genetically modified strains of electricigenic microbes that are specifically adapted for the production of electrical current in microbial fuel cells, as well as strains produced by such methods and fuel cells using such strains. In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides genetically modified strains of Geobacter sulfurreducens and methods of using such strains.

Abstract: A fuel cell has an anode and a cathode with anode enzyme disposed on the anode and cathode enzyme is disposed on the cathode. The anode is configured and arranged to electrooxidize an anode reductant in the presence of the anode enzyme. Likewise, the cathode is configured and arranged to electroreduce a cathode oxidant in the presence of the cathode enzyme. In addition, anode redox hydrogel may be disposed on the anode to transduce a current between the anode and the anode enzyme and cathode redox hydrogel may be disposed on the cathode to transduce a current between the cathode and the cathode enzyme.

Abstract: Enhanced contaminant degradation systems via rapid transfer of electrons in an environment or matrix through bioelectrochemical electron transfer circuitry, electron transfer conduit and conductive materials. Specialized circuitry may be used with respect to the anode, cathode, and transmission line design including floating cathodes, anchored anodes, and the like.

Abstract: A microbial fuel cell comprising: a first cathode; at least two anodes electrically connected to each other and to the cathode in a reconfigurable manner; and a processor operatively coupled to the anodes and configured to monitor a parameter of each anode to determine if a given anode has been oxygen-contaminated, and further configured to convert an oxygen-contaminated anode into a second cathode by reconfiguring the electrical connections.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus is provided for increasing biofilm formation and power output in microbial fuel cells. An anode material in a microbial fuel cell has a three-dimensional and ordered structure. The anode material fills an entire anode compartment, and it is arranged to allow fluid flow within the anode compartment. The power output of microbial fuel cells is enhanced, primarily by increasing the formation and viability of electrogenic biofilms on the anodes of the microbial fuel cells. The anode material in a microbial fuel cell allows for the growth of a microbial biofilm to its natural thickness. In the instance of members of the Geobacteraceae family, the biofilm is able grow to a depth of about 40 microns.

Abstract: A biofuel cell intended to be immersed into a liquid medium containing a sugar and oxygen, wherein the anode includes an enzyme capable of catalyzing the oxidation of the sugar and a redox mediator of low redox potential capable of exchanging electrons with the anode enzyme and the cathode includes an enzyme capable of catalyzing the reduction of oxygen and a redox mediator of high redox potential capable of exchanging electrons with the cathode enzyme. Each of the anode and cathode electrodes is formed of a solid agglomerate of a conductive material mixed with the appropriate enzyme and redox mediator and is solid with an electrode wire.

Abstract: A fuel cell has an anode and a cathode with anode enzyme disposed on the anode and cathode enzyme is disposed on the cathode. The anode is configured and arranged to electrooxidize an anode reductant in the presence of the anode enzyme. Likewise, the cathode is configured and arranged to electroreduce a cathode oxidant in the presence of the cathode enzyme. In addition, anode redox hydrogel may be disposed on the anode to transduce a current between the anode and the anode enzyme and cathode redox hydrogel may be disposed on the cathode to transduce a current between the cathode and the cathode enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel Bacillus pumilus bilirubin oxidase, to the method for preparing same and also to the use thereof in particular for assaying bilirubin and for using enzymatic biofuel cells.

Abstract: An apparatus for an in-vivo power generation comprises a fuel convertor for converting glucose in a fluid to a hydrogen rich, low carbon fuel such as ethanol or methanol by the action of a bioenzyme on the glucose in the CSF. The fluid can be any one of cerebro spinal fluid, urine and glucose solution. The apparatus further comprises a biofuel cell comprising a cathode chamber and an anode chamber with a membrane assembly sandwiched between them. The membrane assembly comprises a cathode, an anode and a proton exchange membrane. The cathode is coated with an enzyme laccase, which enables extraction of oxygen when the fluid is passed through the cathode chamber. The oxygen from the cathode chamber and the hydrogen in the hydrogen rich fuel from the anode chamber diffuses through the proton exchange membrane and reacts at an ionic level to result in water and electrical power.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a self-powered internal medical device. An example device may comprise at least an energy generation module and an operations module to at least control the energy generation module. The energy generation module may include a structure to capture certain molecules in the organic body based at least on size, the structure including a surface of the device in which at least one opening is formed. The at least one opening may be sized to only capture certain molecules. The operations module may initiate oxidation reactions in the captured molecules to generate current for device operation or for storage in an energy storage module. Thermoelectric generation circuitry in the energy generation module may also use heat from the reaction to generate a second current. The operations module may control operation of a sensor module and/or communication module in the device based on the generated energy.

Abstract: A novel cell including first and second chambers containing a solvent and separated by a wall permeable to the solvent and impermeable to hydronium and/or hydroxyl ions; a first electrode in the first chamber; a second electrode in the second chamber; a first redox couple in the first chamber comprising a first oxidizer and a first reducer taking part in first oxidation-reduction reactions resulting in an electron exchange with the first electrode; a second redox couple in the second chamber comprising a second oxidizer and a second reducer taking part in second oxidation-reduction reactions resulting in an electron exchange with the second electrode, the wall being impermeable to the first and second redox couples; and first enzymes or first microorganisms placed in the first or second chamber and promoting a third oxidation-reduction reaction resulting transforming a first substance to a second substance comprising acid or alkaline species.

Abstract: Devices for production of electricity and/or hydrogen gas are provided by the present invention. In particular, microbial fuel cells for production of electricity and modified microbial fuel cells for production of hydrogen are detailed. A tube cathode is provided which includes a membrane forming a general tube shape. An anode is provided which has a specific surface area greater than 100 m2/m3. In addition, the anode is substantially non-toxic to anodophilic bacteria. Combinations of particular anodes and cathodes are included in microbial fuel cells and modified microbial fuel cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of generating electricity from a long chain hydrocarbon, said method comprising contacting the liquid non-polar substrate with a plurality of enzymes, wherein at least one enzyme is non-electric current/potential enzyme that functions as a catalyst for chemical reaction transforming a first substrate or byproduct to a second substance that can be used with an additional electric current/potential generating enzyme.

Abstract: The biofuel cell has a positive electrode, a negative electrode, an external circuit electrically connecting the positive electrode and the negative electrode, a positive electrode region where the positive electrode is disposed, a negative electrode region where the negative electrode is disposed, and a proton permeable membrane disposed between the positive electrode region and the negative electrode region, and the negative electrode region houses a biocatalyst together with the crushed material. The negative electrode region is separated by a mesh into an electrode region and a crushed material region, the negative electrode is housed in the electrode region, and the crushed material is housed in the crushed material region.

Abstract: A fuel cell (100) includes a cation exchange membrane (110), a first anion exchange membrane (120) and a second anion exchange membrane (130). The cation exchange membrane (110) has a first side and an opposite second side. The first anion exchange membrane (120) has a first exterior surface and an opposite first interior surface disposed along at least a portion to the first side of the cation exchange membrane (110). A catalyst (140) is embedded along the first exterior surface. The second anion exchange membrane (130) has a second exterior surface and an opposite second interior surface disposed along at least a portion to the second side of the cation exchange membrane (110). A catalyst (142) is embedded along the second exterior surface. A stack of fuel cells (700) include a first fuel cell (710) with an acidic first anode (714) that is electrically coupled to an alkaline second cathode (722) of a second fuel cell (720).

Abstract: Methods and systems for microbial fuel cells with unproved cathodes are provided, in accordance with some embodiments, methods for microbial fuel cells with improved cathodes are provided. The methods comprising: abiotically reducing oxygen on a cathode having a catalyst layer bound to a gas diffusion layer using an anion conductive polymer, consequently accumulating Off at the catalyst layer, and reducing local pH by conducting the OH? away from the catalyst layer, directly or by transport of anionic buffers that act as OH? carriers, through the anion conductive polymer, in accordance with some embodiments, a system for microbial fuel cells is provided. The system comprising: a container, an anode, anode-respiring bacteria, and a cathode having a catalyst layer bound to a gas diffusion layer using an anion conductive polymer.

Abstract: A small and high-density biofuel cell capable of easily supplying fuel; and an electronic apparatus are provided. The biofuel cell is formed using a stack in which two power generating bodies that include at least a pair of electrodes and a separator are stacked through a gas diffusion layer through which only gas is permeable, the electrodes forming an anode and a cathode and having at least one surface on which an oxidoreductase is present, the separator being arranged between the electrodes and including a proton permeable membrane. In addition, at this time, cathode-side surfaces of the respective power generating bodies of the stack are arranged in contact with the gas diffusion layer. This biofuel cell is mounted on the electronic apparatus.

Abstract: A bacterial fuel cell including a plurality of anodes and a plurality of cathodes in liquid communication with a liquid to be purified, the plurality of anodes and the plurality of cathodes each including a metal electrical conductor arranged to be electrically coupled across a load in an electrical circuit and an electrically conductive coating at least between the metal electrical conductor and the liquid to be purified, the electrically conductive coating being operative to mutually seal the liquid and the electrical conductor from each other.

Abstract: A device for mixing and aerating a body of water, the device includes a microbial fuel cell comprising an anode and a cathode; an electricity management subsystem electrically connecting the anode and the cathode; and a mixing subsystem electrically connected to the electricity management subsystem. The device can be used to mix or aerate a body of water containing organic material while simultaneously reducing the requirements for aeration. The body of water may provide organic material to the microbial fuel cell to produce electricity to power the mixing subsystem.

Abstract: A gas detection system is configured to detect a preset gas in a predetermined space. The gas detection system includes a gas concentration detector constructed to detect a gas concentration of the preset gas, a recording assembly, a notification module, and a decision module. When the gas concentration detected by the gas concentration detector is higher than a preset first reference value, the decision module controls the notification module to give notice. When the detected gas concentration is higher than a preset second reference value but is lower than the preset first reference value, on the other hand, the decision module controls the notification module to give no notice but record a specific piece of information into the recording assembly. This arrangement of the gas detection system enables the user to readily detect deterioration of a device utilizing a fuel, for example, fuel cells.

Abstract: A self-propelled microbial fuel cell apparatus includes a microbial fuel cell with a cathode electrode and an anode electrode wherein the anode electrode is enclosed within an enclosure that has an opening in it. The microbial fuel cell is positioned within a self-propelled delivery vehicle so that the electrodes of the fuel cell are exposed to interface with a microbial environment.

Abstract: A fuel cell has an anode and a cathode with anode enzyme disposed on the anode and cathode enzyme is disposed on the cathode. The anode is configured and arranged to electrooxidize an anode reductant in the presence of the anode enzyme. Likewise, the cathode is configured and arranged to electroreduce a cathode oxidant in the presence of the cathode enzyme. In addition, anode redox hydrogel may be disposed on the anode to transduce a current between the anode and the anode enzyme and cathode redox hydrogel may be disposed on the cathode to transduce a current between the cathode and the cathode enzyme.