Evaluation of Polymer-Supported Carbon Electrodes for Implantable Glucose Fuel Cells

Evaluation of Polymer-Supported Carbon Electrodes for Implantable Glucose Fuel Cells

Fouad Karim, Eranda Nikolla and Howard Matthew. 

Dept. of Chemical Engineering & Materials Science

Wayne State University

Abstract

Implantable glucose fuel cells may be a viable alternative to batteries for powering implantable devices and sensors. These fuel cells generate electricity from the oxidation of glucose supplied from the blood stream. Fuel cell performance is dependent on glucose/oxygen permeability and catalytic activity of the electrode materials. In addition, the biocompatibility of the electrode materials is a critical aspect of the device. Our prototype employed a design with one open side that exposed the cathode to body fluid.  Oxygen is reduced to water and depleted at the cathode, while glucose diffuses through the porous cathode and the internal electrolyte to the anode where it is oxidized to gluconic acid. We employed activated carbon as the catalytic and electrically conductive electrode component. Activated carbon particles were formed into porous sheets using manual casting or spray deposition methods with polymer binders. Two carbon particle sizes were examined. We also compared polyvinyl alcohol/polyacrylic acid (PVA/PAA) mixture and chitosan as binder polymers and investigated glucose permeability, electrical conductivity, and electrode swelling in aqueous media as a functions of the carbon/polymer mass ratio. Spray deposition of 149 micron activated carbon particles, with simultaneous solvent evaporation, was found to be superior to casting methods with regard to electrode uniformity and strength.  Glucose diffusion and voltage measurement experiments are underway and will be reported.

Emails: 

Fouad Karim: ek9497@wayne.edu

Dr. Eranda Nikolla: erandan@wayne.edu

Dr. Howard Matthew: hmatthew@wayne.edu