DNA derived N-doped 3D conductive network with enhanced electrocatalytic activity and stability for membrane-less biofuel cells

Enzymes are promising electrocatalysts in many biological processes . We proposed two strategies, co-immobilization and three-dimensional (3D) space design, to strengthen electron transfer (ET). In this research, DNA base and CNT were mixed in an aqueous solution; then the mixture was dried and ground. Finally, the powder was annealed in N 2 to obtain DNA derived N-doped 3D conductive network ( [email protected] ). [email protected] immobilized mediators on itself through adsorption. Such 3D space structure shows high activity toward a set of critical electrochemical reactions and high-performance in enzymatic biofuel cells (EBFCs). It is found that [email protected] conductive network possesses an interconnected porous structure and well-developed porosity. As a result, the membrane-less EBFCs equipped with enzyme/mediator co-immobilization [email protected] bioelectrodes were measured in a model 5 mM glucose-containing aqueous solution, human serum, and rabbit whole blood, respectively, which can generate 0.34, 0.078, and 0.15 mW cm −2 power density, respectively. The constant-current discharge method carried out in a model 5 mM glucose-containing aqueous solution shows that the discharge time reached 19 h at a discharge current density of 0.01 mA cm −2 . The membrane EBFCs can deliver a high open circuit voltage of 0.68 V, a short-circuit current density of 2 mA cm −2 , and a maximum power density of 0.5 mW cm −2 .