Reduced Graphene Oxide Anodes for Potential Application in Algae Biophotovoltaic Platforms

Abstract

The search for renewable energy sources has become challenging in the current era, as conventional fuel sources are of finite origins. Recent research interest has focused on various biophotovoltaic (BPV) platforms utilizing algae, which are then used to harvest solar energy and generate electrical power. The majority of BPV platforms incorporate indium tin oxide (ITO) anodes for the purpose of charge transfer due to its inherent optical and electrical properties. However, other materials such as reduced graphene oxide (RGO) could provide higher efficiency due to their intrinsic electrical properties and biological compatibility. In this work, the performance of algae biofilms grown on RGO and ITO anodes were measured and discussed. Results indicate improved peak power of 0.1481 mWm−2 using the RGO electrode and an increase in efficiency of 119%, illustrating the potential of RGO as an anode material for applications in biofilm derived devices and systems.

Effect of different irradiance levels on bioelectricity generation from algal biophotovoltaic (BPV) devices

“…5 The use of suspension algal cultures to biofilms 6 and finally alginate-immobilized systems 7 resulted in further increase in power density. 5 The use of suspension algal cultures to biofilms 6 and finally alginate-immobilized systems 7 resulted in further increase in power density.…”

“…For the immobilized algae BPV device, the anode had the algal-alginate film (prepared as described in Section 2.2) attached to its surface ( Figure 1) and was sealed with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) before 2 mL Bold's Basal Medium was loaded to the device. 5,6,37 Crocodile clips and copper wires were used to connect the anode and cathode to the external circuit. 5,6,37 Crocodile clips and copper wires were used to connect the anode and cathode to the external circuit.…”

Biomaterials control of pluripotent stem cell fate for regenerative therapy

“…On the other hand, CNT is also electrically conductive and nanotubular in morphology which can provide nanotopography as well as electrical conductivity to the substrate. For these reasons, some types of cells that need electrical signals like neural cells have been shown to be stimulated upon the carbon nanomaterials, primarily CNTs and rGO, in their neurite outgrowth (for primary neurons) and neuronal differentiation (for NSCs) [216][217][218][219][220]. On the other hand, GO, even though its low electrical conductivity, has been shown to stimulate the differentiation of other types of progenitor/stem cells, such as the differentiation of MSCs into osteoblasts, MSCs into chondrocytes, and muscle precursor cells into myoblasts [221][222][223][224][225].…”

The Development of Biophotovoltaic Systems for Power Generation and Biological Analysis

“…Carbon then became the most commonly used anode material in BPVs because of its cheapness, electrical conductivity, robustness, chemical inertness and diversity in form (including nano and micron structures). Different forms of carbon‐based electrodes used in BPVs include carbon cloth, carbon nanotubes, graphite and reduced graphene oxide . However, carbon has many limitations, and its suitability for use in bioelectrochemical systems has been challenged .…”