Self-pumping T-shaped mixed-media paper-based fuel cells are prepared for the first time by using sodium percarbonate as the fuel, KMnO4 as the oxidant, and a proton-conducting gel as the electrolyte. Whatman filter papers serve as porous supports for the fluid (catholyte and anolyte) streams. The cell architecture with the Au/NiO (with 11 wt % Au) composite as the catalyst deposited at both electrodes delivers high current and power densities of 5.6 mA cm−2 and 2.6 mW cm−2, respectively. With this catalyst, the maximum current and power densities are enhanced by 75 and 121 %, respectively, as compared to the case without catalyst. Impedance analysis shows that ohmic and polarization resistances can be reduced significantly by use of the Au/NiO (with 11 wt % Au) composite as the catalyst. The ability of this cell to revive and restore its original performance once both the open-circuit voltage and current density have decayed clearly demonstrates the applicability of this robust, easily disposable cell for powering micro-/nanodevices. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim