[FeFe]-hydrogenase-catalyzed H2 production in a photoelectrochemical biofuel cell.
The Clostridium acetobutylicum [FeFe]-hydrogenase HydA has been investigated as a hydrogen production catalyst in a photoelectrochemical biofuel cell. Hydrogenase was adsorbed to pyrolytic graphite edge and carbon felt electrodes. Cyclic voltammograms of the immobilized hydrogenase films reveal cathodic proton reduction and anodic hydrogen oxidation, with a catalytic bias toward hydrogen evolution. When corrected for the electrochemically active surface area, the cathodic current densities are similar for both carbon electrodes, and approximately 40% of those obtained with a platinum electrode. The high surface area carbon felt/hydrogenase electrode was subsequently used as the cathode in a photoelectrochemical biofuel cell. Under illumination, this device is able to oxidize a biofuel substrate and reduce protons to hydrogen. Similar photocurrents and hydrogen production rates were observed in the photoelectrochemical biofuel cell using either hydrogenase or platinum cathodes.
Hambourger
Michael
M
Center for Bioenergy and Photosynthesis and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287-1604, USA.
Gervaldo
Miguel
M
Svedruzic
Drazenka
D
King
Paul W
PW
Gust
Devens
D
Ghirardi
Maria
M
Moore
Ana L
AL
Moore
Thomas A
TA
D001674:Bioelectric Energy Sources; D002384:Catalysis; D046969:Clostridium acetobutylicum / Q000201:enzymology; D004563:Electrochemistry; D004566:Electrodes; D004800:Enzymes, Immobilized / Q000737:chemistry; D006859:Hydrogen / Q000737:chemistry*; D006864:Hydrogenase / Q000737:chemistry*; D007506:Iron-Sulfur Proteins / Q000737:chemistry*; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D008958:Models, Molecular; D015394:Molecular Structure; D010777:Photochemistry; D010984:Platinum / Q000737:chemistry; D011166:Porphyrins / Q000737:chemistry; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013499:Surface Properties; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry
D004800:Enzymes, Immobilized; D007506:Iron-Sulfur Proteins; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011166:Porphyrins; C009495:titanium dioxide; D010984:Platinum; D006859:Hydrogen; D014025:Titanium; C118830:iron hydrogenase; D006864:Hydrogenase