Design of a H2/O2 biofuel cell based on thermostable enzymes

A new generation of mediatorless H2/O2 biofuel cells was designed based on a hyperthermophilic O2-tolerant hydrogenase and a thermostable bilirubin oxidase both immobilized on carbon nanofibers. A power density up to 1.5±0.2mW·cm−2 at 60°C was reached. This first demonstration of a H2/O2 biofuel cell able to deliver electricity over a wide range of temperatures, from 30°C up to 80°C, and over a large pH window, allows considering this device as an alternative power supply for small portable applications in various environments, including extreme ones. [Display omitted] •A H2/O2 biofuel cell was designed based on thermostable enzymes.•Hydrogenase and bilirubin oxidase were immobilized on carbon nanofibers.•The biofuel cell operated over a large range of temperature up to 80°C.•A maximum power density of 1.5 mW cm-2 was reached at 60 °C.