Fundamentals of canode biofilm electro-metabolism
Abstract
Technical description: This project is dedicated to the in depth study of switchable, electrotrophic and electrogenic electrochemically active biofilms denoted as canode biofilms (cathode/anode). By jointly applying differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DMES), in situ optical spectroelectrochemistry and temperature dependent electrochemical impedance spectroscopy as three complementary, state of the art examination methods, a deep understanding on the metabolic and electron transfer processes in canode biofilms, their mechanisms, thermodynamics and kinetics shall be gained. For the first time, electrochemistry, mass spectrometry, optical spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy are combined to close major knowledge gaps and acquire fundamental understanding of electrochemically active biofilms. For all the methods we intend to apply, it is the ultimate goal to understand the factors determining electrogenic and electrotrophic biofilm performance to derive strategies to enhance the performance and applicability of these biological systems for future energy applications. Relevance to ONR: Power and Energy are core Navy needs. Continual advancements are required to satisfy the ever-increasing demands of end users over many magnitudes of scale. The work proposed here builds upon Navy investments in the investigation of microbial-based energy storage and delivery systems that may be particularly well suited for Navy in-water autonomous devices. Combined with the self-regenerating nature of bacteria, canode biofilms may open new ways of combined long-lived energy storage and power generation devices that operate in the environment without the need of artificial fuel supply. Envisioned applications include living (self-assembling/repairing) coatings for UUVs that can harvest and store energy and deliver power. US Collaborators: Dr. Leonard M. Tender Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC Project outcomes: It is the aim to publish the results of this fundamental research study in leading peer-reviewed journals and to present the results at international and national research conferences. The results shall further be used as the basis for subsequent applied research projects, e.g., on the development of electrode and electrochemical cell designs for the implementation of canode biofilms
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 07, 2019
- Source ID
- N629091912025
Entities
People
- Uwe Schrder
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- TU Braunschweig
- United States Navy