A Paper-Based Bio Fuel Cell Generating Power from the Biofilm of Bacillus Subtilis Bacteria

Abstract

　In this research, we fabricated a low-cost, disposable, paper-based bio fuel cell that used an activated carbon-based anode with the pre-inoculated biofilm of Bacillus Subtilis bacteria. The biofilm anode was dried for long-term storage and the bio fuel cell could generate electricity on-demand within some minutes after adding a drop of tap water to the dry biofilm anode. The anodic activated carbon substrate was treated by a plasma cleaner to increase hydrophilization before inoculating bacterial biofilm. The fuel cell case was made of a normal paper filter. We integrated directly the air-cathode and proton exchange membrane on the fuel cell case. The paper-based bio fuel cell can be potentially used for micropower biosensor applications.