Fuel cell, method of manufacturing same, electronic device, immobilized-enzyme electrode, method of manufacturing same, water repellent agent, and enzyme immobilization material

Abstract

A fuel cell has a structure where a positive electrode (2) and a negative electrode (1) are opposed to each other, with an electrolyte layer (3) interposed therebetween. An oxygen reducing enzyme is immobilized to the positive electrode (2). If the electrode has pores therein, at least part of the surface of the electrode is water-repellent. For example, the water repellency is achieved by applying a water repellent agent to the surface of the electrode. Thus, if the positive electrode to which the enzyme is immobilized and which has pores therein, the fuel cell stably supplies a high current by optimizing the water content contained in the positive electrode. A method for manufacturing such a fuel cell is provided.

Description

Technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a fuel cell and its manufacturing method, electronic equipment, enzyme immobilized electrode and its manufacturing method, water repellent and enzyme immobilization material, and is particularly suitable for applying to biofuel cells using enzymes and using such biofuel cells as Power supply of various types of electronic equipment. Background technique [0002] The fuel cell has a structure in which a positive electrode (oxidant electrode) and a negative electrode (fuel electrode) face each other through an electrolyte (proton conductor) in the middle. In a conventional fuel cell, the fuel (hydrogen) supplied to the anode is oxidized to separate into electrons and protons (H + ). The electrons are passed to the negative electrode, and H + Pass through the electrolyte to move to the positive electrode. At the positive pole, the H + Reacts with oxygen supplied from the outside and electrons emitted from the negative electro...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, for fuel cells, natural gas, oil, coal, etc. are usually converted into hydrogen by a reformer and used as fuel, so limited resources are consumed

In addition, there are various problems: namely, the fuel cell needs to be heated to a high temperature and a catalyst of an expensive noble metal such as platinum (Pt) etc. is required

[0010] However, in microorganisms and cells, there are not only desired reactions such as conversion of chemical energy into electrical energy, but also many unnecessary reactions

Therefore, in the above method, the undesired reaction consumes electric power, and thus does not exert sufficient energy conversion efficiency

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