A heterologously-expressed thermostable Pyrococcus furiosus cytoplasmic [NiFe]-hydrogenase I used as the catalyst of H2/air biofuel cells. (14th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Yuanming; Song, Yunhong; Ma, Chunling; Kang, Zepeng; Zhu, Zhiguang
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 46:Number 4(2021)
• Page Start: 3035
• Page End: 3044
• Publication Date: 2021-01-14
• Subjects: Enzymatic H2/air biofuel cell -- Hydrogenase -- Heterologous expression -- High-potential deactivation -- O2 tolerance; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.08.155
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Hydrogenase-catalyzed H2 /air biofuel cells have attracted wide attention. However, how to obtain thermostable and highly active hydrogenase remains challenging. Herein, we developed a thermophilic archaea host system to heterologously express a thermostable Pyrococcus furiosus cytoplasmic [NiFe]-hydrogenase I ( Pf SHI). The recombinant hydrogenase could be easily isolated and then immobilized onto a carbon nanotube-modified carbon felt electrode for further electrochemical characterization. The bioanode was able to work at a wide range of temperatures from 40 °C to 80 °C and no high potential deactivation was observed until 0.3 V at 50 °C. Cyclic voltammograms at elevated temperatures for reverse H2 oxidation performance indicated that an inactive state might be formed and then reversed when scanning to negative position. Also, the power density of a whole cell reached 1.08 mW cm −2 using Pt/C as the cathode with a brilliant open circuit potential reaching 1.2 V. The voltage could retain 90% of its initial value after 33 h discharge at a current of 10 μA. Besides, the bioanode exhibited decent oxygen tolerance both in ambient and elevated temperatures. These results suggest that this recombinant Pf SHI can be a good candidate for catalyzing H2 /air biofuel cells. Highlights: A method was developed to heterologously express a thermostable [NiFe]-hydrogenase. The hydrogenase-catalyzed biofuel cell exhibited a good electrochemical performance. The high-potential deactivation and the O2 tolerance of the bioelectrode were discussed.