Living Pseudocapacitor Gels
Abstract
Living Pseudocapacitor Gels (LPGs) refer to a composite comprised of synthetic conductive gels and electrogenic microorganisms. In,terest in LPGs stems from recent studies that show that synergistic abiotic-biotic interactions create a continuous and conductive 3,D network that is conducive for charge transport and storage.Consequently, the LPG materials platform allows one to quantitatively h,arvest power generated by microorganisms through their ability to metabolize organic compounds. Moreover, the abiotic conductive gel, comprises conjugated polyelectrolytes capable of self-doping and thus provide the basis of pseudocapacitive materials. LPGs thus o,pen new opportunities for creating integrated systems with energy storage and power generation capabilities. Our proposed work invol,ves obtaining detailed understanding of structure-property correlations in LPGs and optimizing formulation/molecular design to maxim,ize electrochemical performance in the presence and absence of microorganisms. Achieving control over LPGs should realize technologi,es that can boost naval capabilities by providing a sustainable and highly tunable energy storage platform, as well as and power gen,eration systems for powering unattended sensors. The desired outcome of our work will be high level publications in peer-reviewed j,ournals.The specific scientific aims during the funding period include:a) The design of new conjugated polyelectrolytes that enable, energy generation and storage within an LPG without the need to change the composition of the system.b) Understanding how multi-cat,ionic cross-linkers stabilize the three-dimensional arrangement of polymer chains within LPGs with the goal of achieving greater cap,acitive retention.c) To characterize the bioelectrochemical and pseudocapacitive characteristics of the abiotic component as a funct,ion of conjugated polyelectrolyte chemical structure, external additives, and processing conditions.d) Applying different structural, characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, holotomography, confocal microscopy, and rheological measureme,nts, that yield structure-performance characteristics. e) The use of transcriptomics to gain insight into the physiological changes,of exoelectrogenic bacteria within power generating LPGs.f) The design, synthesis, and characterization of new conjugated polyelectr,olytes capable of n-doping and their application in LPGs capable of electron injection into living bacteria.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 08, 2022
- Source ID
- N629092212016
Entities
People
- Guillermo C. Bazan
Organizations
- National University of Singapore
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy