CHED 696 |
| A biofuel cell is an electrochemical device in which enzymes act as catalysts in order to convert chemical energy into electrical energy. The biocathode is the electrode at which reduction of species takes place. Several different enzymatic catalysts were used at the biocathode including bilirubin oxidase, laccase, and catalase. Modified NafionŽ membranes were used in order to immobilize enzymes at the electrode surface. Modified NafionŽ membranes create a biocompatible environment and restrict the enzyme prohibiting denaturation. There are two ways electrons can move from the reaction site of an enzyme to the electrode: direct electron transfer (DET) and mediated electron transfer (MET). Mediated electron transfer (MET) involves the shuttling of an electron to the electrode via a mediator molecule. In this experiment, the mediator, Ru(bpy)-Teflon, was dissolved in CH2Cl2 and directly coated on the electrode surface. Ru(bpy)-Teflon works by directly binding to the NafionŽ polymer, eliminating the necessary preconcentration of mediator into the membrane. Electrical conductivity of the solution each electrode was tested in was optimized by using a variety of experimental parameters. |
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Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Polymer Chemistry
11:00 AM-1:00 PM, Monday, April 7, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Poster
Division of Chemical Education |