Akermin Announces Prototype Availability Of Stabilized Enzyme Biofuel Cell

Akermin, Inc. announced the availability of its biofuel cell prototype for testing. The Stabilized Enzyme Biofuel Cell (SEBC™) is said to provide higher energy density at a lower cost compared to incumbent power supplies: batteries and traditional direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC).

By incorporating SEBC™ technology to immobilize and stabilize an enzyme in a conductive polymer matrix at the cathode, renewable organic fuels are converted into electricity by a process which is said to be inherently more efficient than conventional methods of portable power generation.

According to the company, the stability afforded by its enzyme immobilization polymers, measured in years compared to days for other biofuel cell technology, enables the first truly commercially viable biofuel cell power supply. Operating on methanol, this prototype is said to deliver longer device runtime. It is claimed that the prototype serves to demonstrate the viability of biofuel cell technology while delivering 3V and up to 1W pulse demand capability, and is approximately the size of two D cell batteries. Akermin states that it is to ready work with customers interested in designing a biofuel cell for their application. Akermin also claims that it will continue advancing its technology to increase power output to 3-5W units.

Akermin’s prototype incorporates an enzyme catalyzed biocathode to replace the traditional platinum cathode found in most DMFCs. This high performance air breathing biocathode is said to enable several key operating and design benefits that lead to higher efficiency, longer runtime, and reduced system cost. The stated benefits of this biofuel cell include the ability to passively use nearly pure fuel at the stack without the need for complex water recirculation, significantly reduce susceptibility to fuel crossover, ability to use alternative PEM’s , and improved system operating efficiency. Thus, it is claimed that doubling the energy density of a conventional DMFC is achievable. Coupled with the potential to use a variety of high energy content fuels, SEBC’s™ are said to be more environmentally-friendly and last longer than any existing fuel cell, and to deliver lower cost per Watt hour over their lifetime.