Korea University Professors Jinhahn Cho and Yoonjang Jung Team, Kangwon National University Professor Junghoon Kwon Joint Research
Current Generation Performance Increased by Over 80% Compared to Existing Batteries
On the 3rd, Professor Choi Young-bong's research team at Dankook University announced that they have successfully developed a high-performance fabric-type biofuel cell that dramatically improves the performance of biofuel cells.
Professor Youngbong Choi's research team at Dankook University, in collaboration with Professors Jinhan Cho and Yunjang Jung from Korea University and Professor Junghoon Kwon from Kangwon National University, announced on the 3rd that they have successfully developed a high-performance fabric-type biofuel cell that dramatically improves the performance of biofuel cells.
Biofuel cells are biocompatible batteries that convert chemical energy generated from the oxidation of glucose into electrical energy and are used as power sources for implantable biomedical devices such as pacemakers, nerve stimulators, and drug delivery pumps.
However, existing biofuel cells face issues where enzymes acting as catalysts are not properly fixed to the electron transfer mediators, causing the enzymes to detach over time. This reduces power generation efficiency and operational stability within the body, posing obstacles to practical applications.
To address these problems, Professor Choi's team developed a new assembly mechanism that fixes enzymes by bonding metal nanoparticles onto the surface of a conductive fabric support.
The newly developed fabric-type biofuel cell increased current generation performance by more than 80% and power generation performance by over 8 times compared to conventional cells. Additionally, its enhanced flexibility and physical properties make it suitable for use in commonly utilized medical devices such as syringe needles, catheters, and stents, promising applications across various fields.
Professor Youngbong Choi stated, “The biofuel cell developed this time is expected to be widely used as a power source for high-performance biosensors and implantable medical devices that require higher performance than before,” adding, “We anticipate it will provide a new platform for the wearable and implantable device market.”
Meanwhile, this research was selected as the cover story for the July issue of Advanced Energy Materials.
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