Surface tailored graphite–polymer composite electrodes through cold plasma for electrochemical applications

Abstract

Composite electrodes are gradually gaining interest due to their versatile applications. plastic chip electrode (PCE) comprising of graphite and Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is one such composite that can be fabricated by simple solution‐phase mixing followed by solvent evaporation. In this study, we report more than two times enhancement in the bulk conductance of PCE by removing the passivating superficial polymer layer above the filler, through the treatment of cold plasma. Comparative characterization of the pre‐ and posttreated electrode has been performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), spreading resistance imaging (SRI), contact angle, and current–voltage characteristics as well as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Improved electroactivity of PCE has been demonstrated through cyclic voltammetry (CV).

Plastic Chip Electrode: An Emerging Multipurpose Electrode Platform

“…The polymer matrix has been functionalized by various methods like soft plasma treatment as well as chemical methods for direct attachment of the sensing probe or electrocatalyst. [74] Although, these results are not discussed here. In the second approach the electrocatalyst was mixed in the electrode casting slurry.…”

“…The probe/ catalysts can either be attached chemically on the polymer matrix (Figure S1) or admixed in the electrode casting slurry or both can be done simultaneously. The polymer matrix has been functionalized by various methods like soft plasma treatment as well as chemical methods for direct attachment of the sensing probe or electrocatalyst [74] . Although, these results are not discussed here.…”

Improving electrochemical sensitivity of screen‐printed carbon electrodes by atmospheric pressure plasma jet treatment and electrochemical detection of dopamine

“…However, when the SPCEs are treated in the vacuum and exposed to the ambient air for application, the surface of the electrodes restructures towards a new stable equilibrium changing the original orientation of the graphite surface, induced by the plasma treatment. [19][20][21][22][23] Due to the flexibility and portability of the atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) system, it can be integrated easily into other technologies ensuring onsite application of the plasma jet and immediate use of the treated SPCEs reducing the waiting time.…”