The Open Circuit Voltage in Biofuel Cells: Nernstian Shift in Pseudocapacitive Electrodes

In the development of biofuel cells great effort is dedicated to achieving outstanding figures of merit, such as high stability, maximum power output, and a large open circuit voltage. Biofuel cells with immobilized redox mediators, such as redox polymers with integrated enzymes, show experimentally a substantially higher open circuit voltage than the thermodynamically expected value. Although this phenomenon is widely reported in the literature, there is no comprehensive understanding of the potential shift, the high open circuit voltages have not been discussed in detail, and hence they are only accepted as an inherent property of the investigated systems. We demonstrate that this effect is the result of a Nernstian shift of the electrode potential when catalytic conversion takes place in the absence or at very low current flow. Experimental evidence confirms that the immobilization of redox centers on the electrode surface results in the assembled biofuel cell delivering a higher power output because of charge storage upon catalytic conversion. Our findings have direct implications for the design and evaluation of (bio)fuel cells with pseudocapacitive elements.     

面向氢能源、燃料电池和二氧化碳减排的制氢途径的选择

对氢气的多种制造途径加以探讨，也涉及到氢能的利用、燃料电池以及二氧化碳的减排。需要指出的是氢气并非能源，而只是能量的载体。 所以氢能的发展首先需要制造氢气。对于以化石燃料为基础的制氢过程，如煤的气化和天然气重整，需要开发更经济和环境友好的新过程，在这些新过程中要同时考虑二氧化碳的有效收集和利用问题。对于煤和生物质，在此提出了一种值得进一步深入研究的富一氧化碳气化制氢的概念。对于以氢为原料的质子交换膜燃料电池系统，必须严格控制制备的氢气中的一氧化碳和硫化氢；对于以烃类为原料的固体氧化物燃料电池，制备的合成气中的硫也需严格控制。然而，传统的脱硫方法并不适宜于这种用于燃料电池的极高深度的氢气和合成气的脱硫。氢能和燃料电池的发展是与控制二氧化碳排放紧密相关的。     

Progress of transition metal chalcogenides as efficient electrocatalysts for energy conversion

The continuous excessive usage of fossil fuels has resulted in its fast depletion, leading to an escalating energy crisis as well as several environmental issues leading to increased research towards sustainable energy conversion. Electrocatalysts play crucial role in the development of numerous novel energy conversion devices, including fuel cells and solar fuel generators. In particular, high-efficiency and cost-effective catalysts are required for large-scale implementation of these new devices. Over the last few years, transition metal chalcogenides have emerged as highly efficient electrocatalysts for several electrochemical devices such as water splitting, carbon dioxide electroreduction, and, solar energy converters. These transition metal chalcogenides exhibit high electrochemical tunability, abundant active sites, and superior electrical conductivity. Hence, they have been actively explored for various electrocatalytic activities. Herein, we have provided comprehensive review of transition-metal chalcogenide electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution, oxygen evolution, and carbon dioxide reduction and illustrated structure–property correlation that increases their catalytic activity.     

Chemoenzymatic Hydrogen Production from Methanol through the Interplay of Metal Complexes and Biocatalysts

Microbial methylotrophic organisms can serve as great inspiration in the development of biomimetic strategies for the dehydrogenative conversion of C₁ molecules under ambient conditions. In this Concept article, a concise personal perspective on the recent advancements in the field of biomimetic catalytic models for methanol and formaldehyde conversion, in the presence and absence of enzymes and co-factors, towards the formation of hydrogen under ambient conditions is given. In particular, formaldehyde dehydrogenase mimics have been introduced in stand-alone C₁-interconversion networks. Recently, coupled systems with alcohol oxidase and dehydrogenase enzymes have been also developed for in situ formation and decomposition of formaldehyde and/or reduced/oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH/ NAD⁺). Although C₁ molecules are already used in many industries for hydrogen production, these conceptual bioinspired low-temperature energy conversion processes may lead one day to more efficient energy storage systems enabling renewable and sustainable hydrogen generation for hydrogen fuel cells under ambient conditions using C₁ molecules as fuels for mobile and miniaturized energy storage solutions in which harsh conditions like those in industrial plants are not applicable.     

Bioelectrosynthesis as an alternative to photosynthesis

The CO₂ reduction processes have been discussed as a way of designing an ecologically totally closed technology. An electric current and molecular hydrogen are the two related available agents that can be discussed as ecologically pure reductants. The most important products are liquid and gaseous fuels, the products of large-scale organic synthesis, monomers, and amino acids. For CO₂ reduction, the necessary energy consumption and H₂ costs were calculated. For complex organic molecules, amino acids for instance, the energy consumption does not make up the main portion of the costs. The biocatalytic systems of CO₂ reduction based on cryoimmobilized cells are described. Conversion of CO₂ into L-lysine with electrochemical decomposition of water was effected on the laboratory scale. A general unit for diverse technological processes can be a bioelectrosynthetic Index Entries: Bioelectrosynthesis; CO₂ reduction; liquid fuels; amino acids; immobilized cells; economic estimates. modulus, an electrochemical hydrogen generator coupled with a biocatalytic converter of hydrogen and oxygen. The systems for bioelectrosynthesis of motor fuels and essential amino acids have been economically estimated and characterized. The possibilities of combining the solar energy transformation and H₂–CO₂ conversion have been discussed.     

The Application of Engineered Glucose Dehydrogenase to a Direct Electron–Transfer‐Type Continuous Glucose Monitoring System and a Compartmentless Biofuel Cell

Abstract

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is expected to become an ideal way to monitor glycemic levels in diabetic patients. On the other hand, biofuel cells can be used as an alternative energy source in future implantable devices, such as implantable glucose sensors in the artificial pancreas. Glucose dehydrogenase from Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, which harbors pyrroloquinoline quinone as the prosthetic group (PQQGDH), is one of the enzymes most attractive as a glucose sensor constituent and as the anode enzyme in biofuel cells, due to its high catalytic activity and insensitivity to oxygen. However, the application of PQQGDH for these purposes is inherently limited because an electron mediator is required for the electron transfer to the electrode.

We have recently reported on the development of an engineered enzyme, quinohemoprotein glucose dehydrogenase (QH‐GDH), in which the cytochrome c domain of the quinohemoprotein ethanol dehydrogenase (QH‐EDH) was fused with PQQGDH, to enable electron transfer to the electrode in the absence of an artificial mediator. In this study, we constructed a direct electron‐transfer‐type CGM system employing QH‐GDH. This CGM system showed sufficient current response and high operational stability. Furthermore, we successfully constructed a compartmentless biofuel cell employing QH‐GDH.     

Biosolubilization and liquid fuel production from coal

Recently, several microorganisms have been shown to be capable of directly solubilizing low-rank coals. This bioextract has a high molecular weight and is water soluble, but is not useful as a liquid fuel. This paper presents the results of studies to biologically solubilize coal and convert the solubilized coal into more useful compounds. Preliminary experiments have been conducted to isolate cultures for the serial biological conversion of coal into liquid fuels. Coal particles have been solubilized employing an isolate from the surface of Arkansas lignite. Natural inocula, such as sheep rumen and sewage sludge, are then employed in developing cultures for converting the bioextract into fuels. This paper presents preliminary results of experiments in coal solubilization and bioextract conversion.     

脂肪酸光脱羧酶及其在有机合成中应用的研究进展

生物基脂肪酸是极具应用潜力的可再生资源。以绿色、低碳的方式对生物基脂肪酸进行转化合成高价值的化学品和燃料可满足现代社会可持续发展的迫切需要,也符合绿色生物制造的需求。生物催化因反应条件温和、选择性高等特点受到众多学者的广泛关注,其中,近年来新发现的由可见光驱动的脂肪酸光脱羧酶（fatty acid photodecarboxyase, CvFAP）可催化不同链长的脂肪酸进行脱羧反应用来合成燃料和化学品,反应过程具有极高原子经济性,在绿色催化工艺及能源领域具有广阔的应用前景。本综述旨在对脂肪酸光脱羧酶（CvFAP）的最新研究进展进行总结分析,并对脂肪酸光脱羧酶的发展趋势进行展望,以期为脂肪酸光脱羧酶（CvFAP）在绿色合成领域的进一步开发利用提供参考。     

Fructose/dioxygen biofuel cell based on direct electron transfer-type bioelectrocatalysis

One-compartment biofuel cells without separators have been constructed, in which d-fructose dehydrogenase (FDH) from Gluconobacter sp. and laccase from Trametes sp. (TsLAC) work as catalysts of direct electron transfer (DET)-type bioelectrocatalysis in the two-electron oxidation of d-fructose and four-electron reduction of dioxygen as fuels, respectively. FDH adsorbs strongly and stably on Ketjen black (KB) particles that have been modified on carbon papers (CP) and produces the catalytic current with the maximum density of about 4 mA cm(-2) without mediators at pH 5. The catalytic wave of the d-fructose oxidation is controlled by the enzyme kinetics. The location and the shape of the catalytic waves suggest strongly that the electron is directly transferred to the KB particles from the heme c site in FDH, of which the formal potential has been determined to be 39 mV vs. Ag|AgCl|sat. KCl. Electrochemistry of three kinds of multi-copper oxidases has also been investigated and TsLAC has been selected as the best one of the DET-type bioelectrocatalyst for the four-electron reduction of dioxygen in view of the thermodynamics and kinetics at pH 5. In the DET-type bioelectrocatalysis, the electron from electrodes seems to be transferred to the type I copper site of multi-copper oxidases. TsLAC adsorbed on carbon aerogel (CG) particles with an average pore size of 22 nm, that have been modified on CP electrodes, produces the catalytic reduction current of dioxygen with a density of about 4 mA cm(-2), which is governed by the mass transfer of the dissolved dioxygen. The FDH-adsorbed KB-modified CP electrodes and the TsLAC-adsorbed CG-modified CP electrodes have been combined to construct one-compartment biofuel cells without separators. The open-circuit voltage was 790 mV. The maximum current density of 2.8 mA cm(-2) and the maximum power density of 850 microW cm(-2) have been achieved at 410 mV of the cell voltage under stirring.     

Hydrogen-transfer conversion of furfural into levulinate esters as potential biofuel feedstock

Furfural is directly converted to levulinate esters(isopropyl levulinate and furan-2-ylmethyl-levulinate) as potential biofuel feedstocks, through a combined catalytic strategy. Nb_2O_5-ZrO_2 mixed oxide microspheres are used as bifunctional catalysts for hydrogen-transfer hydrogenation and acid-catalyzed alcoholysis in isopropanol. Bifunctional catalysts improve sustainability of furfural conversion through process intensification. Hydrogen transfer hydrogenation from isopropanol avoids dangerous hydrogen gas, and abates process and environmental costs. Isopropyl levulinate and furan-2-ylmethyl-levulinate are the main products that can be applied as blending components in biodiesel or hydrocarbon fuels.     

Water‐Splitting Catalysis and Solar Fuel Devices: Artificial Leaves on the Move

The development of new energy materials that can be utilized to make renewable and clean fuels from abundant and easily accessible resources is among the most challenging and demanding tasks in science today. Solar‐powered catalytic water‐splitting processes can be exploited as a source of electrons and protons to make clean renewable fuels, such as hydrogen, and in the sequestration of CO₂ and its conversion into low‐carbon energy carriers. Recently, there have been tremendous efforts to build up a stand‐alone solar‐to‐fuel conversion device, the “artificial leaf”, using light and water as raw materials. An overview of the recent progress in electrochemical and photo‐electrocatalytic water splitting devices is presented, using both molecular water oxidation complexes (WOCs) and nano‐structured assemblies to develop an artificial photosynthetic system.     

Caffeoylquinic Acid Derivatives of Purple Sweet Potato as Modulators of Mitochondrial Function in Mouse Primary Hepatocytes

Owing to their antioxidant properties, caffeoylquinic acid (CQA)-derivatives could potentially improve the impaired metabolism in hepatic cells, however, their effect on mitochondrial function has not been demonstrated yet. Here, we evaluated the impact of three CQA-derivatives extracted from purple sweet potato, namely 5-CQA, 3,4- and 4,5-diCQA, on mitochondrial activity in primary hepatocytes using an extracellular flux analyzer. Notably, an increase of maximal respiration and spare respiratory capacity were observed when 5-CQA and 3,4-diCQA were added to the system indicating the improved mitochondrial function. Moreover, 3,4-diCQA was shown to considerably increase glycolytic reserve which is a measure of cell capability to respond to an energy demand through glycolysis. Conversely, 4,5-diCQA did not modify mitochondrial activity but increased glycolysis at low concentration in primary hepatocytes. All compounds tested improved cellular capacity to oxidize fatty acids. Overall, our results demonstrated the potential of test CQA-derivatives to modify mitochondrial function in hepatic cells. It is especially relevant in case of dysfunctional mitochondria in hepatocytes linked to hepatic steatosis during obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.     

Photothermal catalysis for CO2 conversion

The conversion of carbon dioxide into useful fuels or chemical feedstocks is of great importance for achieving carbon emission peak and carbon neutrality. The harvesting and conversion of solar energy will provide a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy source for human production and living. Very recently, photothermal catalysis has been proved to exhibit great advantages in reducing the reaction temperature, promoting the catalytic activity, and manipulating the reaction pathway in comparison with traditional thermal catalysis. In this review, we firstly introduced the fundamental mechanisms and categories of photothermal catalysis to understand the synergy or the difference between photochemical and thermochemical reaction pathways. Subsequently, the criteria and strategies for photothermal catalyst design are discussed in order to inspire the development of high-efficiency photothermal catalytic route by achieving intense absorption of broadband solar energy spectrum and high conversion capability of solar-to-heat. Recent progress in CO₂ reduction achieved by photothermal catalysis was summarized in terms of production types. In the end, the future challenges and perspectives of photothermal catalytic CO₂ reduction are presented. We hope that this review will not only deepen the understanding of photothermal catalysis, but also inspire the design, preparation and application of high-performance photothermal catalysts, aiming at alleviating non-renewable fossil energy consumption and carbon emissions for early carbon emission peak and carbon neutrality.     

Electrically wired mitochondrial electrodes for measuring mitochondrial function for drug screening

In the continual search of new therapeutics, many possible drug candidates are excluded, because they are found to negatively affect mitochondrial function. We have developed an approach for directly, electrochemically assaying mitochondrial metabolic activity as a function of metabolic substrate to determine drug toxicity. By wiring mouse mitochondria to a carbon electrode surface, electrons can be intercepted before they reach Complex IV, the terminal step of electron transport chain. The electrons are rerouted, to a separate electrode of the electrochemical cell, the cathode. This allows for the direct measurement of electrical current and potential of the mitochondria during their oxidation of substrates such as pyruvate and fatty acids when there are different concentrations of drug present. This analytical technique has been shown to reliably assay several classical mitochondrial toxins and exhibits potential for the further development of a drug candidate screening technique, as well as other applications where the quantitative study of mitochondrial dysfunction is important.     

Identification of novel anti cancer agents by applying insilico methods for inhibition of TSPO protein

Cancer is a genomic disease characterised as impaired cellular energy metabolism. Cancer cells derive most of their energy from oxidative phosphorylation unlike normal ones during cell progression TSPO protein present in external mitochondrial membrane, is involved in various cellular functions like Cell proliferation, mitochondrial respiration, synthesis of steroids and also participates in import of cholesterol into the inner mitochondrial membrane from outside of the membrane of mitochondria.The 3D model of TSPO protein is built using comparative homology modelling techniques and validated by proSA, Ramachandran plot and ERRAT in the present work. Active site prediction is carried out using SiteMap and literature, which allows the prediction of the important binding pockets for the identification of putative active site. New molecular entities as TSPO inhibitors were obtained from Virtual screening using MS Spectrum databank in Schrodinger suite and were prioritised based on Glide Score. Docking was performed using Autodock to identify molecules with different scaffolds and were prioritised based on binding energy and RMSD values. Qikprop is used to calculate pharmacokinetic properties of the screened molecules which are found to be in permissible range as possible novel inhibitors of TSPO protein to supress cell proliferation.     

Effects of Solid Acid Supports on the Bifunctional Catalysis of Levulinic Acid to γ‐Valerolactone: Catalytic Activity and Stability

Heterogeneous transformation of levulinic acid (LA) to γ‐valerolactone (GVL) is regarded as a critical process of the lignocellulose‐based biorefinery system. Substantial progress on the catalytic conversion of LA to GVL has been continuously achieved recently. However, the traditional research paradigm typically emphasizes the metal‐catalyzed hydrogenation step, but lacks profound insights into the potential impacts of catalyst supports. Herein, an overview of the bifunctional catalytic system classified by representative solid acid supports for LA conversion to GVL is presented, and effects of critical factors on metal‐ and acid‐ catalyzed processes are discussed. Particularly, impacts of key issues on catalytic stability are thoroughly summarized and analyzed. Challenges and suggestions are also proposed from the perspective of increases in both catalytic activity and stability. This review potentially contributes to the rational design of high‐efficiency catalysts used in the biomass valorization for renewable energy production.     

HZSM-5上生物质催化裂解的近期研究进展

概述了近期的HZSM-5对生物质和生物油催化裂解的研究进展,重点介绍了催化剂的应用、生物油提质的方法和反应机理.     

生物质利用新途径:多元醇催化合成可再生燃料和化学品

日益严重的全球性能源和环境问题促使开发利用可再生的生物质资源成为当前研究的一个热点.本文概述了生物质基多元醇合成燃料和化学品来实现生物质转化利用的一些最新进展,特别是集中介绍了甘油和山梨醇等多元醇催化水相重整合成氢气和液体烃等燃料、催化选择氢解和氧化合成高附加值化学品或化学中间体等方面的进展,分析了存在的问题和可能的解决措施以及今后的发展趋势,指出生物质基多元醇将成为今后合成可再生燃料和化学品的新型平台分子.     

生物质利用新途径:多元醇催化合成可再生燃料和化学品

日益严重的全球性能源和环境问题促使开发利用可再生的生物质资源成为当前研究的一个热点。本文概述了生物质基多元醇合成燃料和化学品来实现生物质转化利用的一些最新进展,特别是集中介绍了甘油和山梨醇等多元醇催化水相重整合成氢气和液体烃等燃料、催化选择氢解和氧化合成高附加值化学品或化学中间体等方面的进展,分析了存在的问题和可能的解决措施以及今后的发展趋势,指出生物质基多元醇将成为今后合成可再生燃料和化学品的新型平台分子。     

In Situ Engineering of Intracellular Hemoglobin for Implantable High‐Performance Biofuel Cells

The key challenge for the broad application of implantable biofuel cells (BFCs) is to achieve inorganic–organic composite biocompatibility while improving the activity and selectivity of the catalysts. We have fabricated nanoengineered red blood cells (NERBCs) by an environmentally friendly method by using red blood cells as the raw material and hemoglobin (Hb) embedded with ultrasmall hydroxyapatite (HAP, Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂) as the functional BFC cathode material. The NERBCs showed greatly enhanced cell performance with high electrocatalytic activity, stability, and selectivity. The NERBCs maintained the original biological properties of the natural cell, while enhancing the catalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) through the interaction between ?OH groups in HAP and the Hb in RBCs. They also enabled direct electron transportation, eliminating the need for an electron‐transfer mediator, and showed catalytic inactivity for glucose oxidation, thus potentially enabling the development of separator‐free BFCs.