The First Enzymatic Fuel Cell That Can Convert Energy to Electricity at Room Temperature

Engineers from University of Utah have now developed the first room temperature enzymatic fuel cell that uses enzymes, alkane monooxygenase and alcohol oxidase, to help jet fuel convert energy into electricity. Converting traditional jet fuel cells into electricity is difficult "because jet fuel contains sulfur which can impair metal catalysts used to oxidize fuel”. The research team investigated Jet Propellant-8 or JP-8, and concluded that using enzymes as catalysts, JP-8 fuel cells can operate at room temperature and can tolerate sulfur. The report is here, and the research article can be found here.