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Printed Biofuel Cells

Detailed Technology Description

University researchers have developed printed biofuel cells (BFCs) and methods whereby such BFCs can be fabricated on various substrates using high-throughput, low-cost printing, roll-to-roll, and inkjet techniques. Proprietary printing techniques and chemical functionalization of the inks are employed to realize robust, high-power output, and inexpensive biofuel cells that can process a wide variety of biofuels. The technology has wide-ranging implications in the healthcare and power generation domains, e.g., low-cost power sources for implantable/body-worn medical devices; low-cost systems for energy generation in remote, developing areas. Reduction to practice has been achieved for an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Supplementary Information

Inventor: JIA, Wenzhao | WANG, Joseph | WINDMILLER, Joshua, Ray
Priority Number: WO2013130145A3
IPC Current: H01M000816 | H01M000802
Assignee Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
Title: PRINTED BIOFUEL CELLS | PILES À BIOCOMBUSTIBLE IMPRIMÉES
Usefulness: PRINTED BIOFUEL CELLS | PILES À BIOCOMBUSTIBLE IMPRIMÉES
Summary: As biofuel cell device, preferably epidermal biofuel cell device used in biofuel cell system (claimed), which are used in variety of industries, e.g. biomedical, healthcare, fitness/athletics and energy industries such as remote power systems; in wastewater treatment, implantable biomedical devices.
Novelty: Biofuel cell device used in e.g. biomedical industries, comprises cathode formed of electrically conductive material and capable of reducing an oxygenated substance in a biological fluid, separated from anode by a spacing region

Industry

Chemical/Material

Sub Category

Fuel Cell

Application No.

9502730

Others

Intellectual Property Info

This technology has a patent pending and is available for licensing and/or sponsorship.

Tech ID/UC Case

22380/2012-151-0

Related Cases

2012-151-0

*Abstract

The fuel cell has been considered a clean alternative to fossil-fuel-based power generation. Conventional fuel cells, however, are large solid-state devices that employ costly mechanical and chemical components and have thus witnessed very limited commercial adoption since their introduction several decades ago. Further, such devices use inorganic fuels, many of which produce substantial carbon footprints when processed and refined. Biofuel cells (BFCs) derive power from organic/biological compounds; e.g., glucose (in blood), lactate (in perspiration), and urea (in urine, wastewater, sewage) - and represent a new, compelling class of energy conversion devices. BFCs have the ability to operate under mild conditions and are envisioned to be applicable as implantable power sources.

*IP Issue Date

Nov 22, 2016

*Principal Investigator

Name: Joseph Wang

Department:

Name: Joshua Windmiller

Department:

Name: Wenzhao Jia

Department:

Country/Region

USA