Carbohydrate anode for fuel cell and battery applications
US8846266B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 28, 2010 |
| Grant date | Sep 30, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 15, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Abiotic fuel cell and battery designs employing chemical dyes in alkaline solutions are disclosed. The fuel cells and batteries are capable of harnessing electrical power from various carbohydrates, including, but not limited to, glucose; in an anode design that does not require catalysts or membranes to separate half-cell reaction chambers. In certain embodiments, the abiotic fuel cell or battery designs may further employ electrodes, such as high surface area carbon materials and commercial air breathing electrodes, without the use of catalysts for glucose oxidation (i.e., precious metals or biocatalytic species). In further embodiments, organic dyes, including but not limited to, methyl viologen (MV), methylene blue, methylene green, Meldola's blue, indigo carmine, safranin O, and the like, may serve as the electron mediators. In some embodiments, the fuel cells or batteries are capable of generating power on the order of about tens of mW/cm2 from glucose and/or other types of sugars.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.