BIOELECTROCHEMICAL FUEL-CELLS

In a biochemical fuel cell different microorganisms were employed as biocatalysts and 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone as a redox mediator. An oxygen gas diffusion electrode was used successfully; by means of a packed bed electrode as an anode the electricity output of the fuel cell could be raised considerably. Even a mixed population from a plant for the biological treatment of industrial waste gas was successfully utilized as a biocatalysts. Experiments were carried out using the biofuel cell for bioanalytical and biosensor purposes. Microbial mediator reduction, which is the key reaction of such a fuel cell, was examined separately for different microorganisms.