Micro glucose fuel cell on porous silicon with abiotic and bio inspired catalysts – GLUCOPAC

GLUCOPAC aims at developing a glucose micro fuel cell. The glucose fuel cells seem very promising: glucose is an energy source which is natural and abundant. Sony recently demonstrated the potential of the glucose fuel cells for nomad applications such as walkman, showing a 300cm3 system that could supply a power output of 50mW. In addition, the presence of glucose in the human’s body makes the fuel cells particularly attractive as implantable energy sources.
The micro batteries already present very competitive power densities but, for some applications, the necessity to recharge the batteries is problematic. For that reason, alternative energy micro sources appear crucial. GLUCOPAC aims at making micro-sustainable energy sources (operating time> 6000h), performing (P> 5mW/cm2), generic for various applications, with micro / nano manufacturing processes. To meet its objectives, the project proposes an innovative architecture based on a porous silicon membrane nano-functionalized and non-deformable. This membrane serves as the ionic conductor and mechanical support to the stack of the active layers. The latter, consisting of abiotic and bio-inspired nano catalysts, will be built on 200mm silicon substrates using printing techniques. In order to develop a manufacturing process with a minimal environmental impact, technological choices will be guided by an analysis of the ecological processes all over the project.
The work program GLUCOPAC is divided into three phases. From M0 to M12, the fabrication process of the nano-porous support will be scale up from 100mm to 200mm substrates. Meanwhile, the catalyst nano-structured layers are developed. From M12 to M30, CEA and UJF collaborate to achieve the stacking of active layers with deposition techniques like inkjet. RECUPYL analysis the proposed processes. Testing of the power output and life time will help determining the optimum stacking. These experimental results will initiate the exploration stage of the industrial business plan. From M30 to M36, the failure analysis will be used to optimize the power output and lifetime of microsource. In M36, a durability of 6000 h is expected with a power output of 5mW/cm2 (for test environments with separation of oxygen and glucose) and 100µW/cm2 (for test environments physiological type - subcutaneous). Meanwhile, the industrial recovery plan will be defined.
The major results expected from the project are:
- A micro-hybrid energy source for many generic applications, with a power / high volume
- A method for making eco-compatible design with volume production of microwave source.
- A breakdown in terms of integration of nanomaterials based on organic silicon technology
- An industrial recovery plan including a strategy for market entry.