Application of single-chamber membrane-free microbial fuel cells in flexible wearable devices
Fiber-based flexible wearable electronics offer real-time health monitoring, combining high integration of components like power sources and sensors in a compact space. These devices must also deliver high output power under extreme mechanical stress while maintaining good skin contact and user comfort. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are promising bio-power sources due to their self-assembling, self-repairing, and environmentally friendly nature. They can harness organic matter from body fluids such as sweat, saliva, and blood, converting chemical energy into continuous electrical power. MFCs also exhibit excellent biocompatibility and electrochemical stability.
However, current flexible wearable devices using MFCs face challenges such as low current density and limited power output. Recently, Assistant Professor Seokheun Choi from the State University at Binghamton introduced a novel approach: a single-chamber, membrane-free microbial fuel cell integrated onto a single fiber fabric. The researchers used commercially available 92% polyester and 8% spandex fiber fabric as the base material. Through molding, screen printing, and carbon spraying, they defined positive and negative electrode regions by hydrophilic or hydrophobic treatments on different parts of the fabric surface.
The MFC was modified with a PEDOT:PSS slurry containing ethylene glycol (EG) and 3-(2,3-epoxypropyl)propyltrimethoxysilane (3G) to enhance hydrophilicity. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAO1) was inoculated as a microbial catalyst. For the positive electrode, a slurry with Agâ‚‚O was used, which was reduced to form an Agâ‚‚O/Ag composite. Oxygen from the air oxidizes Ag back to Agâ‚‚O, enabling repeated charge cycles.
This MFC has an internal resistance of about 10 kΩ. When connected to a 10 kΩ load, it achieves a current density of 52 μA/cm² and a maximum power density of 6.4 μW/cm². Its performance is comparable to that of flexible paper-based MFCs and far exceeds traditional fabric-based ones. Even under stretching and torsion, the electrode materials remain firmly attached, ensuring stable output despite partial damage to the conductive layer.
The study, published in *Advanced Energy Materials* titled "Flexible and Stretchable Biobatteries: Monolithic Integration of Membrane-Free Microbial Fuel Cells in a Single Textile Layer," presents a groundbreaking solution for next-generation wearable electronics. The design allows for scalable fabrication, opening new possibilities for bio-integrated, sustainable power systems in smart textiles.
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