An Implanted Fuel Cell Powered By the Body’s Own Blood Chemistry

Amie L.
12th Grade, Satellite High, Satellite Beach, Florida
Teacher: Joe Scott

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Problem: Patients often outlive their pacemakers forcing them to undergo surgery and implant a second pacemaker.

Hypothesis: If the organic material in blood can power a fuel cell, then a pacemaker implanted in the body can run self sufficiently

Results: The cyclical voltammogram of a 0.07% solution sodium chloride introduced to a Platinum foil electrode, shows the corresponding oxidation and reduction peaks of NaCl. These peaks correspond to the oxidation and reduction of Platinum Oxide, absorbed hydrogen, un-absorbed hydrogen as well as hydrogen and chlorine revolution. The albumin introduced to the platinum foil electrode was found to suppress the oxidation of Platinum Oxide and completely eliminate the unabsorbed Hydrogen oxidation peak, while leaving the remaining reactions unchanged. When the NaCl solution is used with a carbon cloth electrode the cyclical voltammogram shows little evidence of oxidations, although two small reduction peaks are present. The voltammogram corresponding to the albumin solution’s interaction with the carbon cloth electrode shows a new oxidation peak not present in the NaCl voltammogram. This is the oxidation of albumin and approximately 500 millivolts. When a complete fuel cell is built and connected to the electronic volt meter, the cell is recorded to produce a voltage of approximately -240.

Conclusion: As the albumin comes into immediate contact with the carbon electrode, the catalyst separates the electrons and protons of the hydrogen atoms from albumin. The protons travel through the Nafion porous membrane and enter the NaCl solution. The electrons travel through a wire which connects the fuel cell to the elctric volt meter, creating energy to power a pacemaker. Then the electrons enter the NaCl solution joining the protons. When the protons and electrons contact the platinum cloth catalyst and the compressed air hits the catalyst, a full water molecule is created. The interaction of the albumin solution and the carbon electrode created a large oxidation peak in the negative regime. This negative oxidation voltage of -240 millivolts, compared to the 123 millivolt oxidation rate of water, creates a large enough potential to power the fuel cell.