Fuel cell and electronic device

Abstract

Disclosed is a fuel cell that, when an enzyme is immobilized on at least one of a positive electrode and a negative electrode, can realize a satisfactory buffering capability even during high-output operation, can satisfactorily exert a capability inherent in the enzyme, and has an excellent performance. The fuel cell is a biofuel cell having a structure comprising a positive electrode (2) and a negative electrode (1) provided opposite to each other through an electrolyte layer (3) containing a buffering substance, an enzyme being immobilized on at least one of the positive electrode (2) and the negative electrode (1). An imidazole ring-containing compound is incorporated as a buffering substance in the electrolyte layer (3). Further, at least one acid selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, phosphoric acid, and sulfuric acid is added. Imidazole ring-containing compounds include imidazole, 1-methylimidazole, 2-methylimidazole, 4-methylimidazole, and 2-ethylimidazole.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a fuel cell in which an enzyme is immobilized on at least one of a positive electrode and a negative electrode; and an electronic device using such a fuel cell. Background technique [0002] A fuel cell has a structure in which a positive electrode (oxidant electrode) and a negative electrode (fuel electrode) face each other with an electrolyte (proton conductor) in between. In existing fuel cells, fuel (hydrogen) supplied to the negative electrode is oxidized to be separated into electrons and protons (H + ); and electrons are transferred to the negative electrode, H + Move to the positive electrode through the electrolyte. In the positive electrode, H + Reacts with oxygen supplied from the outside and electrons delivered from the negative electrode through the external circuit, and generates H 2 O. [0003] Thus, a fuel cell is a high-efficiency power generation device that directly converts chemical energy of fu...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0013] However, according to the research of the inventors of the present invention, when using NaH 2 PO 4 , MOPS, HEPES, etc. as a buffer substance contained in the electrolyte described above, when using a large surface area electrode of porous carbon on which enzymes are immobilized, etc., or by increasing the concentration of immobilized enzymes to increase When high power output, the buffer capacity is not enough

Therefore, the pH of the electrolyte around the enzyme deviates from the optimal pH, and the inherent capability of the enzyme cannot be fully exerted.

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