Supercapacitive Micro-Bio-Photovoltaics for Sustainable Wireless Sensor Networks
Abstract
Supercapacitive Micro-Bio-Photovoltaics for Sustainable Wireless Sensor NetworksThe overarching purpose of this project is to pursue three applied research aims that will create a novel, self-sustaining micro-scale bio-photovoltaic system (BPV) and improve performance levels for wireless sensing and communication. This objective can be achieved by creating an innovative supercapacitive micro-BPV device with maximized bacterial photoelectrochemical activities in a well-controlled, tightly enclosed micro-chamber. The proposed technique is based on a 3-D double-functional bio-anode concurrently exhibiting bioelectrocatalytic and charge-storage features to offer the high-energy harvesting functionality of micro-BPVs with the high-power operation of an internal supercapacitor for charging and discharging. Accomplishments will include barrier-transcending advancement in micro-BPVs,attaining higher power and energy efficiency combinations that can move biophotovoltaic technology beyond the realm of conceptual research and advance its translational potential toward practical, real-world applications. Additional fundamental research will explore bacterial biosynthetic capabilities as a potential bottom-up fabrication technique to create a nano-sized BPV. The immediate potential benefits of the proposed research are that (i) a new hybrid energyharvesting device that combines a biological photovoltaic device and a supercapacitor for sustainable wireless sensor networks (WSNs) will be developed, (ii) the work will add to scientists??? fundamental understanding of, and ability to harness, bio-photo-electro-chemical and self-charging activities on a designed dual-feature anode, and (iii) the work will determine critical design parameters and establish a general design platform for miniaturizing supercapacitive biophotovoltaics, thus inspiring the next generation???s scientific minds. Also, (iv) research into miniature biophotovoltaics contributes essential knowledge about the photosynthetic electron transfer process that occur in a smaller group of microorganisms with excellent control over the microenvironment. Finally, (v) the proposed fundamental research will contribute to an in-depth understanding of the bacterial capabilities to produce conductive nanoscale materials for new applications in bioelectronics and bottom-up nanofabrication.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 26, 2018
- Source ID
- N000141812422
Entities
People
- Seokheun Choi
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- Research Foundation for the State University of New York
- United States Navy