Total oxidation of ethanol at EtOH/O2 biofuel system

• Grant number: 15/04531-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2015
• End date: December 31, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Adalgisa Rodrigues de Andrade
• Grantee: Letícia Miranda
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The incorporation of enzymes onto the surface of electrodes has recently become an attractive alternative in designing efficient energy conversion devices. Bioelectronics such as biofuel cells make use of renewable and clean catalysts, afford selective oxidation. The goal of this project is to investigate the production of high power density ethanol/O2 biofuel cells using a series of enzymes aiming to obtain total combustion of EtOH. This methodology will increase the power density generated in the mediated electron transfer system. To improve the current efficiency it will be employed gold nanoparticles supported onto multiwall carbon nantubes, once in a previous investigation (FAPESP) we observed I better compatibility of this nanoparticles and the biological material. The subject of investigation is an innovative field of research with a great potential of development of biomaterials for helping the development of technologies in renewable energy area.