Abstract :
A bio-battery
is an energy storing device that is powered by organic compounds, usually being
glucose, such as the glucose in human blood. When enzymes in human bodies break
down glucose, several electrons and protons are released.
Therefore, by
using enzymes to break down glucose, bio-batteries directly receive energy from
glucose. These batteries then store this energy for later use. This concept is
almost identical to how both plants and many animals obtain energy.
Although
the batteries are still being tested before being commercially sold, several research
teams and engineers are working to further advance the development of these batteries.
What is a Bio-Battery?
A bio-battery
is known as a device in which the substrate material, organic or inorganic, is converted
to electric energy. This conversion takes place with the help of various biological
or biochemical agents, such as enzymes or micro-organisms.
The substrate
is broken down in the presence of these agents to release protons and electrons.
The continuous circulation of these protons and electrons within the bio-battery
generates electricity.
History
As an electrical
signal can induce a biological reaction; the reverse in is also true in most of
the cases and in this way biological processes can be used to generate electricity
for powering electrical equipment.
Even though
the Bio fuel cells have been known for almost a century since the first microbial
BFC(Bio fuel cells) was demonstrated in 1912,the first enzyme-based bio-fuel cell
was reported only in 1964 using glucose oxidize (GOx) as the anodic catalyst
and glucose as the bio-fuel.
Workings of
Bio-Battery
Structure
Like any cell
battery, bio-batteries contain an anode, cathode, separator and electrolyte with
each component layered on top of another. Anodes and cathodes are the negative
and positive areas on a battery that allow electrons to flow in and out.
The anode is
located at the top of the battery and the cathode is located at the bottom of
the battery. Anodes allow electrons to flow in from outside the battery, whereas
cathodes allow current to flow out from the battery.
Between the
anode and the cathode lies the electrolyte which contains a separator. The main
function of the separator is to keep the cathode and anode separated, to avoid
electrical short circuits. This system as a whole, allows for a flow of protons
(H+) and electrons (e-) which ultimately generates electricity.
Glucose
Bio batteries
are heavily based on the amount of glucose available. This glucose (sugar) can
be provided from nearly anything, including soda, waste materials (such as old
papers), or the glucose in living organisms.
The decomposition
of materials to glucose (if they are not already in the proper stage) is the
main step in getting the cycle started. Materials can be converted into glucose
through the process of enzymatic hydrolysis.
Enzymatic hydrolysis
is the process in which cellulose (an insoluble substance) is converted to glucose
by the addition of enzymes.Once glucose is present, oxygen and other enzymes can
act on it to further produce protons and electrons.
Process
Similar to
how human bodies convert food to energy using enzymes, bio-batteries use enzymes
to convert glucose into energy.When glucose first enters the battery, it enters
through the anode. In the anode the sugar is broken down, producing both electrons
and protons.
Glucose → Gluconolactone
+ 2H+ + 2e−
These electrons and protons produced now play an important role in creating energy. They travel through the electrolyte, where the separator redirects electrons to go through the mediator to get to the cathode. On the other hand, protons are redirected to go through the separator to get to the cathode side of the battery.
The cathode
then consists of an oxidation reduction reaction.This reaction uses the protons
and electrons, with the addition of oxygen gas, to produce water.
O2 +4H+ + 4e−
→ 2H2O
There is a flow
created from the anode to the cathode which is what generates the electricity in
the bio-battery.The flow of electrons and protons in the system are what create
this generation of electricity.
Need for Bio-Batteries
In the field
of electricity, a battery is a device that converts chemical energy to electrical
energy. Different types of batteries are used in various electronic and electrical
devices. However, these batteries contain certain chemicals such as compounds of
lead and mercury, which are highly toxic in nature. Also, chemical batteries are
prone to explosions, leakages, etc. These problems are not seen in the case of
bio-batteries.
Therefore,
bio-batteries have a great potential to be used as suitable alternatives or even
replacements for chemical batteries in the future.
Future Scope
Improved design
and performance leads to 50X higher volumetric power density over existing prototype
.The longer-term goal in this area is to further enhance performance to ultimately
develop batteries suitable for notebook computers and other mobile devices. While
many technological challenges still remain, Bio Battery has great potential as a
next- generation energy device.
Advantages include
its excellent harmony with the environment as a product fueled by a carbohydrate
(glucose) having high energy density. Sony will continue to work toward the
commercialization of this technology in the near future, initially for use in toys
and other low-power products.
Bio-batteries
have a very bright future ahead of them as test productions and research have
been increasing over recent years. They serve as a new form of energy that is proving
to be environmentally friendly, as well as successful, in producing and reserving
energy. Fully- integrated demonstrations are to be executed in close collaboration
with customer, for relevant applications.
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