(1172-A) Laser-treated thermoplastic carbon electrodes for enhanced performance of electrochemical sensors
Monday, February 5, 2024
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST
Location: Exhibit Halls AB
Abstract: Thermoplastic electrodes (TPEs) are based on a mixture of carbonaceous materials (graphite, carbon black, graphene, etc.) with thermopolymer binders1–3. They represent a carbon electrode alternative due to their tunable mechanical and electrochemical properties. In addition, TPEs can be patterned into many complex geometries, providing flexibility depending on the desired application. The electrochemical performance of TPEs relies on the type of treatment given to their surface, including sanding, polishing, and plasma treatment4. Herein, we present the use of a CO2 laser for surface activation of TPEs for the first time. An array of TPEs was used containing 4 sets of electrodes, each containing a counter, reference, and working electrodes. The electrodes were fabricated by mixing graphite in a blend of polycaprolactone (PCL) and polystyrene (PS) (in a 1:1 ratio). CO2 laser parameters such as laser power and scan rate were optimized; these values were 8 and 30%, respectively. The total duration of the treatment was 18 seconds. The electrochemical responses of different redox probes, such as ferri/ferrocyanide, ascorbic acid, and dopamine, were evaluated. After activating the surface of the TPEs using a CO2 laser, there was a significant improvement in their electrochemical performance. The electrodes were further characterized by SEM, XPS, optical profilometer, and EIS. As a proof-of-concept, the laser-treated TPE was applied to SARS-CoV-2 protein N detection.
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