JP7135516B2 - Enzyme power generation device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an enzyme power generation device.

In recent years, research and development have been made on enzymatic power generation devices that use enzymes as electrode catalysts and generate power using sugars, alcohols, and other biomass resources as fuel. An enzymatic power generation device generally includes electrodes immersed in a solution containing a fuel, and the anode of the electrodes contains an enzyme that promotes oxidation of the fuel. Protons such as e ⁻ (electrons) and H ⁺ taken out by the conversion to lactone) move to the cathode side and oxygen is reduced to produce water (H ₂ O). The movement of electrons generated in the above process is used for power generation.
Furthermore, it can be used as a self-power generation type sensor that simultaneously detects an object and generates power using the principle of an enzymatic power generation device.

Enzymatic power generation devices that use enzymatic reactions have the advantages of enzyme fuel cells, such as a simple battery structure, room temperature operation, and high affinity for the environment and living organisms. Since the type sensor serves as both a power source and a sensor, it is possible to reduce the size, weight, and cost of the sensor.

Based on the above, enzymatic power generation devices are being studied as power sources and sensor devices in fields such as wearable devices and disposable devices that are not suitable for conventional batteries.
For example, in Non-Patent Document 1, an electrode is prepared by printing an electrode material containing an enzyme that promotes the oxidation of glucose on paper. A power generation device is described in which oxidation occurs and power generation occurs. However, the method of absorbing the liquid into the paper and sucking up the liquid takes time, and there are cases where a sufficient amount of the liquid cannot be sucked up.

WO2016/062419

I. Shitanda et al, Chem, Comm, 2013

The object of the present invention is to effectively use the liquid in the power generation device when the liquid is supplied from the outside, although the power generation device described in Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 1 is suitable for use as a disposable device or the like. It is to supply to (For example, for diapers, etc.)

The present invention relates to an enzymatic power generation device in which an anode and a cathode are arranged facing each other with a water-absorbing separator interposed therebetween, and which satisfies all of the following conditions (1) to (3).
(1) the anode contains an oxidase and/or the cathode contains a reductase;
(2) the separator has a larger area than at least one of the anode or the cathode;
(3) one of the anode or cathode has a larger area than the other;

The present invention also relates to the above enzyme power generating device, wherein the area of one of the anode and the cathode is at least twice as large as that of the other.

Further, in the present invention, the anode and the cathode have a conductive substrate provided with a conductive layer containing a conductive carbon material (A) and a binder resin (B) on a non-conductive substrate,
Further, the present invention relates to the above enzyme power generation device, wherein the anode has an oxidation catalyst and the cathode has a reduction catalyst.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can provide an enzymatic power generation device that can stably generate power by effectively supplying a liquid when externally supplying the liquid to the device. (For example, for diapers, etc.)

FIG. 1 is a top view of constituent members of an enzymatic power generation device in which circuit wiring is joined to an anode and a cathode. FIG. 2 is a top view of an enzymatic power generation device in which circuit wiring is joined to the anode and cathode. FIG. 3 is a side view of an enzymatic power generation device in which circuit wiring is connected to an anode and a cathode, and a side view of the enzymatic power generation device and a radio transmission circuit. FIG. 4 is a top view of constituent members of an enzymatic power generation device using conductive substrates for anodes and cathodes for circuit wiring. FIG. 5 is a top view of an enzymatic power generation device using conductive substrates for anodes and cathodes for circuit wiring. FIG. 6 is a side view of an enzymatic power generation device using conductive substrates of anodes and cathodes for circuit wiring, and a side view of joining the enzymatic power generation device and a wireless transmission circuit.

<Enzyme power generation device>
The enzymatic power generation device of the present invention is a power generation device that generates power using sugars, alcohols and other biomass resources as fuel. Using an organic substance such as sugar or alcohol as a fuel, e ⁻ (electrons) and ions generated on the anode side can be used to generate electricity by utilizing an oxygen reduction reaction on the cathode side. In addition, by detecting the presence or absence of power generation and the amount of power generation, it is possible to sense the object (fuel), and it can function as a sensor that serves as both a power source and a sensor. A power-generating sensor having the above function is included in a type of enzyme power generation device.

The enzymatic power generation device consists of an anode that promotes fuel oxidation, a cathode that promotes oxygen reduction, and e ⁻ (electrons) generated by fuel oxidation are transferred to the cathode and electricity generated by cell reactions is extracted. and a water-absorbing separator that electrically separates the anode and cathode. In addition, an ionic conductor that transfers the fuel and H ⁺ (protons) generated by oxidation of the fuel to the cathode may be contained in the liquid supplied from the outside, or may be built in the device.

In the enzymatic power generation device of the present invention, at least one of the anode and the cathode is exposed to the atmosphere. In addition, it is preferable that the anode or the anode and the cathode are exposed to the atmosphere because of the method of generating power starting from the oxidation of the fuel at the anode. The term "exposure" as used herein means that the device is easily wetted by supplying a liquid from the outside without sealing the device by lamination or the like.

The area of the separator is greater than at least one of the anode or cathode. Also, the area of one of the anode and the cathode is larger than the area of the other. By doing so, the liquid supplied from the outside temporarily stays at the anode or the cathode, and then is effectively transported to the oxidation catalyst portion of the anode through the separator.

More specifically, an anode, a cathode, and a water-absorbent separator are prepared as shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. Although the area of the anode is larger than that of the cathode in FIGS. 1 and 4, the area of the cathode may be larger than that of the anode.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the anode and cathode are arranged with a water-absorbing separator interposed therebetween so that the oxidation catalyst and the reduction catalyst face each other to form an enzymatic power generation device.

The connection to the wireless transmission circuit may use circuit wiring as shown in FIG. 3, or may use a conductive substrate as the circuit wiring as shown in FIG. The circuit wiring and the conductive base material are joined to the wireless transmission circuit.

From the standpoint of electrically separating the anode and cathode (prevention of short circuit) and supplying liquid, the area of the separator is larger than the smaller one of the anode and the cathode, and is larger than the smaller one. It is preferably two times or more. Further, it is more preferable that the area of the separator is the same as that of the anode or the cathode, whichever has the larger area.

With respect to the area of the smaller one of the anode and the cathode, the area of the larger one of the other is preferably 1.5 times or more, more preferably 2 times or more, that of the smaller one. is.
In addition, after the liquid supplied from the outside temporarily stays at the anode or the cathode, the liquid is effectively transported to the oxidation catalyst part of the anode through the separator. and the cathode, the larger area is preferably longer by 5 mm or more, more preferably by 10 mm or more.
When the anode and the cathode have a plurality of layers such as a non-conductive base material and a conductive layer, and the layers have different areas, the layer with the larger area is the area of the anode and the cathode.

(anode)
The anode of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it contains a conductive material. Examples of conductive materials include carbon materials, metals, and the like, and carbon materials are preferably used from the viewpoint of disposability and biocompatibility. Carbon materials include graphite, carbon black (ketjen black, acetylene black, etc.), porous carbon, carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes, graphene, and the like. Only one type of carbon material may be used, or two or more types may be used in combination.

The anode preferably contains a binder to maintain contact between the conductive materials. The type of binder is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include resins. Examples of resins include soluble resins that can be dissolved in a solvent and dispersible resin particles that are stably dispersed in a dispersion medium. Only one binder may be used, or two or more binders may be used in combination.

The anode contains a catalyst that promotes oxidation of the fuel. The oxidation catalyst is not particularly limited, but when used as a wearable device or a disposable device, it preferably contains an enzyme that promotes fuel oxidation from the viewpoint of safety and biocompatibility. The type of enzyme is not particularly limited, and can be selected according to the type of fuel to be oxidized, and may be one type or two or more types.

Specifically, the enzymes when the fuel is sugar include glucose oxidase and glucose hydrogenase when the fuel is glucose, and fructose oxidase and fructose dehydrogenase when the fuel is fructose. Enzymes when is sucrose include impertase and glucose dehydrogenase, and enzymes when the fuel is starch include a combination of amylase and glucose dehydrogenase.

Specifically, the enzymes when the fuel is sugar include glucose oxidase and glucose hydrogenase when the fuel is glucose, and fructose oxidase and fructose dehydrogenase when the fuel is fructose. Enzymes when is sucrose include impertase and glucose dehydrogenase, and enzymes when the fuel is starch include a combination of amylase and glucose dehydrogenase.

When using an enzyme as a catalyst, carbon black (ketjen black, acetylene black, etc.), carbon with a large specific surface area such as carbon nanotubes, and porous carbon with micro-meso pores such as mesoporous carbon are used to support the enzyme. may be used.
In addition, mediators may be included as necessary, such as the type of enzyme, and the method for supporting the enzymes and mediators is not particularly limited.

(cathode)
The cathode of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it contains a conductive material. Examples of conductive materials include carbon materials, metals, and the like, and carbon materials are preferably used from the viewpoint of disposability and biocompatibility. Carbon materials include graphite, carbon black (ketjen black, acetylene black, etc.), porous carbon, carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes, graphene, and the like. Only one type of carbon material may be used, or two or more types may be used in combination.

The cathode preferably contains a binder to maintain contact between the conductive materials. The type of binder is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include resins. Examples of resins include soluble resins that can be dissolved in a solvent and dispersible resin particles that are stably dispersed in a dispersion medium. Only one binder may be used, or two or more binders may be used in combination.

The cathode contains a catalyst that facilitates the reduction of oxygen. The reduction catalyst is not particularly limited, and may be organic or inorganic. Examples of organic substances include enzymes such as bilirubin oxidase and laccase that promote the reduction of oxygen. Examples of inorganic materials include metal catalysts such as platinum and carbon alloys. When used as a wearable device or a disposable device, from the viewpoint of safety and biocompatibility, organic materials, carbon alloys, and the like are preferable, and carbon alloys are more preferable from the viewpoints of cost and output stability.
When using an enzyme as a catalyst, the same method as for the anode electrode can be used.

(Mediator)
Depending on the types of enzymes, there are direct electron transfer (DET) enzymes that can directly transfer electrons to an electrode and enzymes that cannot directly transfer electrons. Enzymes other than the DET type can be used in combination with a mediator responsible for transferring electrons generated by fuel oxidation from the enzyme to the electrode (anode) or transferring electrons received from the anode from the electrode (cathode) to the enzyme. preferable. The mediator is not particularly limited as long as it is a redox substance capable of giving and receiving electrons to and from the electrode, and conventionally known mediators can be used.

(Conductive substrate)
The conductive base material is used for transferring electrons generated at the anode to the cathode and extracting electricity generated in the battery reaction, and is not particularly limited as long as it has conductivity. Preferably, said anode or cathode is provided on a conductive substrate. As the conductive base material, a metal material such as a metal foil or a metal mesh, or a carbon material such as carbon paper, carbon felt or carbon cloth can be used. It is preferable to use a carbon material from the viewpoint of oxidation resistance, ease of disposal, and the like. In addition, from the viewpoint of flexibility, it is possible to use a conductive substrate in which a conductive layer composed of a conductive carbon material (A) and a binder resin (B) is provided on a non-conductive substrate such as paper or resin film. More preferred. Graphite, carbon black, carbon nanotubes, graphene, or the like is preferably used as the conductive carbon material (A), and it is more preferable to use graphite and carbon in combination from the viewpoint of conductivity, availability, and the like. As the binder resin (B), a soluble resin that can be dissolved in a solvent or a dispersible resin that can be dispersed in a dispersion medium can be used. , polyvinyl-based resin, polyvinyl butyral-based resin, polyolefin-based resin, polyester-based resin, polystyrene-based resin, EVA-based resin, polyvinylidene fluoride-based resin, polytetrafluoroethylene-based resin, silicone-based resin, polyether-based resin, carboxymethyl cellulose and the like, and may be used singly or in combination of two or more. From the viewpoint of flexibility, enzyme and fuel permeability, etc., it is preferable to use a water-soluble resin and water-dispersible resin fine particles in combination.

(circuit wiring)
The circuit wiring is a conductive member for electrically connecting the anode and cathode to an external device in the enzymatic power generation device to form a circuit. The circuit wiring may be connected to an anode or a cathode and a separately prepared conductive member and further connected to an external device, or may be connected to an external device using a conductive substrate used for the anode or cathode. The method of connecting the circuit wiring and the external device is not particularly limited, and connection using snap buttons, magnets, clips, fasteners, hook-and-loop fasteners, etc., can be exemplified in addition to connection using adhesives or pressure-sensitive adhesives.
As a material for the circuit wiring, a material having conductivity is used, and a metal material such as metal foil or copper wire, or a carbon material such as carbon paper, carbon cloth or carbon felt can be used. In addition, from the viewpoint of flexibility and ease of disposal, a conductive substrate having a conductive layer composed of a conductive carbon material (A) and a binder resin (B) on a non-conductive substrate such as paper or resin film. The material can also be used as circuit wiring.
When the conductive base material is used for circuit wiring, the conductive base material may be used as it is, or the conductive base materials may be joined together.

(separator)
The separator of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can electrically separate the anode and cathode (prevent short circuit) and absorb water, but from the viewpoint of flexibility, nonwoven fabric, felt, filter paper, Japanese paper, etc. It is preferable to use

(fuel)
The type of fuel that can be used in the enzymatic power generation device is not particularly limited as long as it is a substance whose oxidation is promoted by an enzyme. Examples include monosaccharides such as D-glucose, polysaccharides such as starch, alcohols such as ethanol, and organic substances such as organic acids. The fuel may be oxidizable as it is by the enzymes contained in the anode, or it may be in an oxidizable state by hydrolysis or the like.

When used as a wearable device, a disposable device, or the like, the fuel preferably contains sugar from the viewpoint of safety and biocompatibility. The type of sugar is not particularly limited, and includes monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, and sugar alcohol sugars.
The fuel may contain a solvent such as water or an organic solvent, or may not contain a solvent. When using a solution containing fuel, the device generates electricity by supplying this liquid, and when it does not contain a solvent, the device generates electricity by containing fuel in the device and supplying a liquid that can dissolve the fuel. . There are no particular restrictions on where the fuel is contained within the device, but it can be contained in a substrate such as an anode or separator.
(ion conductor)
The ionic conductor in the present invention conducts ions between the anode and the cathode. The ionic conductor is not particularly limited as long as it has ionic conductivity. As the ionic conductor, for example, an electrolytic solution in which an electrolyte is dissolved in a liquid such as a phosphate buffer, or a solid polymer electrolyte may be used. Also, the ion conductor may be incorporated in the enzyme battery, for example, by carrying it on the separator in advance.

<Application of Enzymatic Power Generation Device>
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The power generation device of the present invention can be used for various purposes as a device that generates power when liquid is supplied from the outside during use. Furthermore, it can be used as a sensor for detecting an object using the principle of an enzyme power generation device.

Sensor applications include, for example, organic sensors that target various organic substances, biosensors that target organic substances and body fluids in biological samples such as blood, sweat, urine, feces, tears, saliva, and exhaled breath, and sensors that target moisture. food sensor for fruits and food, IoT sensor, environmental sensor for organic matter in the environment such as air, rivers, and soil, animal and plant sensor for animals, insects, and plants The above may be a self-power generation type sensor that serves as both a power source and a sensor, or may be used only as a sensor without being used as a power source. Examples of biosensors include a blood sugar sensor that senses sugar in blood, a urine sugar sensor that senses sugar in urine, a fatigue sensor that senses lactic acid in sweat, a heat stroke sensor that senses sweat and urine Examples include a perspiration sensor and a urination sensor that sense moisture inside. Examples of applications as wearable sensors for living organisms include urination sensors, urine sugar level sensors, and transdermal perspiration and heatstroke sensors, which are sensors embedded in diapers.

EXAMPLES The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples below, but the examples below do not limit the scope of the present invention. In the examples and comparative examples, "part" means "mass part" and % means % by mass.
<Preparation of conductive substrate>
To 500 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water, 5 parts by mass of water-soluble resin carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC Daicel #1240 (manufactured by Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.)) was added and dissolved while stirring with a disper. After that, 72 parts by mass of graphite (spheroidized graphite CGB-50 (manufactured by Nippon Graphite Co., Ltd.)) and 8 parts by mass of carbon black (Lionite EC-200L (manufactured by Lion Corporation)) were added. Then, it was dispersed with a sand mill. Next, 30 parts by mass of an acrylic emulsion of water-dispersible resin fine particles (acrylic resin aqueous dispersion W-168 (manufactured by Toyochem Co., Ltd., solid content 50% by mass)) is added and mixed with a disper to form the conductive composition (1). Obtained.
As a non-conductive substrate, a qualitative filter paper (No. 5C manufactured by ADVANTEC) was roll-pressed at room temperature, and then the conductive composition (1) was applied onto the non-conductive substrate using a doctor blade. After that, it was dried by heating to obtain a conductive base material (1).

<Preparation of carbon catalyst for cathode>
Graphene nanoplatelets xGnP-C-750 (manufactured by XGscience) and iron phthalocyanine P-26 (manufactured by Sanyo Color Co., Ltd.) were weighed so that the mass ratio was 1/0.5 (graphene nanoplatelets/iron phthalocyanine). and dry-blended to obtain a mixture. The mixture was filled in an alumina crucible and heat-treated at 800° C. for 2 hours in an electric furnace in a nitrogen atmosphere to obtain a carbon catalyst (1) for an enzyme cell.

<Preparation of electrode composition for cathode>
4.8 parts of the carbon catalyst for enzyme cells (1), 88.4 parts of water, and 0.8 parts of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC Daicel #1240 (manufactured by Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.)) were mixed in a mixer and then placed in a sand mill. dispersed. Thereafter, 6 parts of an acrylic emulsion (acrylic resin aqueous dispersion W-168 (manufactured by Toyochem Co., Ltd., solid content: 50% by mass)) was added and mixed with a mixer to obtain an enzyme battery cathode electrode composition (1).

<Preparation of anode for enzyme power generation device>
(Production example 1)
(Anode for enzyme power generation device (1))
After cutting the produced conductive base material into a length of 21 cm and a width of 11 cm, the lower portion of 1 cm×11 cm, both ends of 21 cm×3 cm, and the upper portion of 15 cm×11 cm were masked with tape. After applying a composition of Furnace Black VULCAN (registered trademark) XC72 (manufactured by CABOT Co., Ltd.) as a conductive carbon material to a 5×5 cm ² (25 cm ² area) part of the conductive substrate that was not masked, using a doctor blade, A methanol solution of tetrathiafulvalene as a mediator and an aqueous solution of glucose oxidase as a catalyst were added dropwise and air-dried to perform loading. After that, the masking tape was peeled off to obtain an enzyme power generation device anode (1).

(Anode for enzyme power generation device (2))
After cutting the produced conductive base material into a length of 13 cm and a width of 7 cm, the lower part of 4 cm × 7 cm, both ends of 13 cm × 1 cm, and the upper part of 4 cm × 7 cm were masked with tape. 1) An enzyme power generation device anode (2) was obtained in the same manner as in (Production Example 1).

(Anode for enzyme power generation device (3))
The same method as in Anode for Enzymatic Power Generation Device (1) (Production Example 1) except that the produced conductive substrate was cut into a piece of 20 cm long and 5 cm wide, and then the upper portion of 15 cm×5 cm was masked with tape. Thus, an anode (3) for an enzymatic power generation device was obtained.

(Anode (4) for enzyme power generation device)
After cutting the prepared conductive substrate into a length of 21 cm and a width of 21 cm, the lower portion of 1 cm × 21 cm, both ends of 21 cm × 3 cm, and the upper portion of 15 cm × 21 cm were masked with tape. 1) An enzyme power generation device anode (4) was obtained in the same manner as in (Production Example 1).

(Anode (5) for enzyme power generation device)
After cutting the produced conductive base material into a length of 6 cm and a width of 11 cm, the upper part of 1 cm × 11 cm and both ends of 6 cm × 3 cm were masked with tape. An enzyme power generating device anode (5) was obtained in the same manner as in 1).

(Anode (6) for enzyme power generation device)
After cutting the produced conductive substrate into a piece of 11 cm long and 5 cm wide, the lower part of 3 cm × 5 cm and the upper part of 3 cm × 5 cm were masked with tape, except that the enzyme power generation device anode (1) (Production Example 1 ) to obtain an enzyme power generating device anode (6).

(Anode (7) for enzyme power generation device)
The same method as in Anode for Enzymatic Power Generation Device (1) (Production Example 1) except that after cutting the produced conductive substrate into a piece of 6 cm long and 5 cm wide, the upper portion of 1 cm×5 cm was masked with tape. Thus, an anode (7) for an enzymatic power generation device was obtained.

<Preparation of cathode for enzyme power generation device>
(Cathode for enzyme power generation device (1))
(Production example 2)
After cutting the produced conductive substrate into a piece of 20 cm long and 5 cm wide, the upper portion of 15 cm×5 cm was masked with a tape. The electrode composition (1) for an enzyme battery cathode prepared on a 5×5 cm ² (area 25 cm ² ) portion of a conductive substrate not subjected to masking treatment is applied with a doctor blade, and then dried by heating to obtain an enzyme power generation device. A cathode (1) was obtained.

(Cathode for enzyme power generation device (2))
The same method as in Cathode for Enzymatic Power Generation Device (1) (Production Example 1) except that the produced conductive substrate was cut into a size of 9 cm long and 5 cm wide, and then the upper portion of 4 cm×5 cm was masked with tape. Thus, a cathode (2) for an enzymatic power generation device was obtained.

(Cathode for enzyme power generation device (3))
After cutting the produced conductive substrate into a length of 21 cm and a width of 11 cm, the lower portion of 1 cm × 11 cm, both ends of 21 cm × 3 cm, and the upper portion of 15 cm × 11 cm were masked with tape. 1) A cathode (3) for an enzymatic power generation device was obtained in the same manner as in (Production Example 1).

(Cathode for enzyme power generation device (4))
The same method as in Cathode for Enzymatic Power Generation Device (1) (Production Example 1) except that the produced conductive substrate was cut into a size of 6 cm long and 5 cm wide, and then the upper portion of 1 cm×5 cm was masked with tape. A cathode (4) for an enzymatic power generation device was thus obtained.

<Preparation of water absorbing separator>
As shown in Table 1, a qualitative filter paper (No. 5C manufactured by ADVANTEC) was cut out to prepare a water absorbent separator.

(Example 1)
<Fabrication of enzyme power generation device>
The enzyme power generation device shown in Table 1 was produced by laminating the enzyme power generation anode, the water absorbing separator, and the cathode prepared above in this order so that the catalyst portions of the anode and cathode faced each other.

(Examples 2-4, Comparative Examples 1-2)
Enzymatic power generation devices shown in Table 1 were produced in the same manner as in Example 1.

(Example 5)
The conductive base material was cut into a length of 3 cm and a width of 1 cm to prepare circuit wiring. A conductive layer portion of 1 cm×1 cm at the upper left end of the anode (5) for enzymatic power generation and the cathode (4) for enzymatic power generation and the conductive layer portion of 1 cm×1 cm of the circuit wiring were joined with a conductive paste.
An enzyme power generation device shown in Table 1 was produced by laminating the anode and cathode on which circuit wiring was formed in the same manner as in Example 1.

(Example 5, Comparative Example 3)
An enzymatic power generation device shown in Table 1 was produced in the same manner as in Example 5.

<Fabrication of wireless communication circuit>
A booster converter (LTC3108 manufactured by Strawberry Linux (registered trademark)) and a wireless device (transmission module IM315TX, receiver module IM315RX manufactured by Interplan) were connected to the enzyme power generation device prepared above to the booster converter. A wireless communication circuit was fabricated in which a converter is connected to a transmitter module of a wireless device, and a wireless signal transmitted from the transmitter module is received by the wireless module of the wireless device. The connection from the enzymatic power generation device to the booster converter was made by laminating a conductive base material that was not coated with or supported with a catalyst.

<Evaluation of power generation and wireless transmission>
The enzymatic power generation device prepared above was placed on nursing care diapers (manufactured by Library 4 Absorbent Charm Co., Ltd.). (The larger anode or cathode area was placed on the lower side (diaper side).) Then, 150 ml of 0.1 M phosphate buffer containing 0.1 M D-glucose was added as follows. The presence or absence of wireless transmission was confirmed by supplying the data.
Table 2 shows the evaluation results.
(Liquid supply method)
(1): A liquid was supplied to the center of the catalyst portion of the power generation device.
(2): The liquid was supplied to a position 1 cm laterally away from the end of the catalyst portion of the power generation device.
(Evaluation results)
O: Wireless transmission was successful.
×: Could not be wirelessly transmitted.

As shown in Table 2, it was confirmed that the enzymatic power generation device of the present invention can stably generate power when liquid is supplied from the outside to the vicinity of the catalyst of the device.
In Comparative Examples 1 and 3, even if the liquid was supplied near the device, the liquid spread outside the device and flowed into the diaper. , could not generate electricity. In Comparative Example 2, since the water-absorbing separator was smaller than the anode and the cathode, the liquid could not be effectively supplied to the inside of the device (catalyst portion) and power could not be generated, or a short circuit occurred between the anode and the cathode. presumably could not be extracted.
Further, it was confirmed that Examples 1 to 5 of the present invention stably generated power when the liquid was supplied to a portion away from the end of the catalyst portion. Otherwise, it is considered that the supplied liquid flowed directly to the diaper, and the liquid could not be supplied to the catalyst portion, and power could not be generated.

In the present invention, a phosphate buffer solution in which D-glucose is dissolved is used as a fuel, but by including D-glucose and an electrolyte in a water-absorbing separator or the like, it can be used as a moisture power generator or a moisture sensor. can.

As described above, the enzymatic power generation device of the present invention does not require a power source, is easily disposed of, and is composed of materials that are safe for living organisms. It is suitable for a diaper sensor, etc., because it becomes possible to transmit to a portable terminal or the like.

Reference Signs List 1 anode 11 oxidation catalyst 2 cathode 21 reduction catalyst 3 water absorbing separator 4 conductive substrate 5 circuit wiring 6 radio transmission circuit

Claims (2)

An enzymatic power generation device in which an anode and a cathode are arranged facing each other with a water-absorbing separator interposed therebetween, and satisfies all of the following conditions (1) to (3),
(1) the anode contains an oxidase and/or the cathode contains a reductase;
(2) the separator has a larger area than at least one of the anode or the cathode;
(3) one of the anode or cathode has a larger area than the other;
moreover,
The anode and cathode have a conductive substrate provided with a conductive layer containing a conductive carbon material (A) and a binder resin (B) on a non-conductive substrate,
An enzymatic power generation device, wherein the anode has an oxidation catalyst and the cathode has a reduction catalyst . 2. The enzymatic power generation device according to claim 1, wherein one of the anode and the cathode has an area twice or more that of the other.

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