Publication date: 10th April 2024
Miniaturized electrochemical devices are essential for supplying power to bio-electronic implants. Compared with traditional implantable batteries, glucose fuel cells (GFC) use glucose which is abundant in body fluid as the constant source of reactant, and offers a sustainable power solution without the need for replacement surgeries.1 Unlike glucose fuel cells with polymer electrolytes, inorganic solid-state materials and abiotic catalysts has the advantage of miniaturizability, improved long-term stability and power density.2 Our previous work based on ceria's high H+ conduction at ambient3,4 demonstrates the highest measured power densities to date and is fully compatible with standard semiconductor fabrication methods. This presents great potential for using it as the integrated and direct power source of bio-electronic devices and implants.
Expanding upon prior research, this study proposes the evolution of the existing proof of concept—a double chamber fuel cell with a ceria solid-state electrolyte and non-selective catalysts—into an implantable single-chamber fuel cell design. The novel design features side-by-side placement of electrodes in the same plane, situated on top of a ceria thin film functioning as a proton-conducting electrolyte. An insulating polymer membrane is incorporated to prevent short circuits in the wet environment of the human body. Throughout the investigation, our emphasis lies on fundamental research pertaining to proton conduction in ceria membranes and the identification of selective catalyst systems for the glucose fuel cell. Leveraging substantial concentration differences between coexisting glucose and oxygen in bodily fluids, we achieve predominantly kinetically controlled glucose oxidation and diffusion-controlled oxygen reduction, with high nanoscopic surface area electrodes showing heightened selectivity for glucose and lower surface area electrodes favoring oxygen. This work on proton conducting ceramic single chamber glucose fuel cells contributes to the exploration of energy-efficient and sustainable solutions for tracking and supporting diverse bodily functions within the realm of medicine.
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