title: Self-assembly of an electronically conductive network through microporous scaffolds.
abstract: Electron transfer spanning significant distances through a microporous structure was established via the self-assembly of an electronically conductive iridium oxide nanowire matrix enveloping the pore walls. Microporous formations were simulated using two scaffold materials of varying physical and chemical properties; paraffin wax beads, and agar gel. Following infiltration into the micropores, iridium nanoparticles self-assembled at the pore wall/ethanol interface. Subsequently, cyclic voltammetry was employed to electrochemically crosslink the metal, erecting an interconnected, and electronically conductive metal oxide nanowire matrix. Electrochemical and spectral characterization techniques confirmed the formation of oxide nanowire matrices encompassing lengths of at least 1.6mm, 400× distances previously achieved using iridium nanoparticles. Nanowire matrices were engaged as biofuel cell anodes, where electrons were donated to the nanowires by a glucose oxidizing enzyme.
authors.affiliation: University of Calgary, Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada. Electronic address: hsebasti@ucalgary.ca.
authors.forename: H Bri
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Sebastian
authors.affiliation: University of Calgary, Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada. Electronic address: Steven.bryant@ucalgary.ca.
authors.forename: Steven L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Bryant
mesh_terms: D000362:Agar / Q000737:chemistry*; D056804:Biofuels; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D000431:Ethanol / Q000737:chemistry; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D005949:Glucose Oxidase / Q000378:metabolism; D007495:Iridium / Q000737:chemistry*; D008863:Microspheres; D053770:Nanowires / Q000737:chemistry*; D010232:Paraffin / Q000737:chemistry*; D016062:Porosity; D014885:Waxes / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D056804:Biofuels; D014885:Waxes; C044458:iridium oxide; D000431:Ethanol; D007495:Iridium; D010232:Paraffin; D000362:Agar; D005949:Glucose Oxidase; D005947:Glucose
keywords: Biomimicry; In-situ biofuel cell; Long distance electron transfer; Micropores; Nanowires; Self-assembly