Title : Differential pulse voltammetric tuning of the screen printed carbon electrode surface to enhance the electrochemical performance and multiplex detection
Abstract:
Screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) have shown tremendous scope for the miniaturization and commercialization of low-cost electrochemical sensors and biosensor devices. But the commercial SPCEs have a narrow potential window (PW) that limits their applications for various analytes owing to the presence of some inherent redox peaks in the wider PW. In this exploration, the electrochemical performance of the SPCE surface has been significantly improved after DPV treatment, making it appropriate for use as a transducer in electrochemical analysis, mainly for the identification of biomolecules. After evaluating the condition of the untreated SPCEs surface, it was pre-cathodized using the DPV technique in KCl-tris buffer (pH = 8) from +2.0 V to -2.0 V vs Ag. The electrochemical performance of the DPV-tuned SPCE electrode was noticeably improved. Because the value of k0 increased from 2.89 x 10 - 6 cm s − 1 at the untuned SPCE to 3.92 x 10-6 cm s − 1 at the tuned SPCE in the presence of a model redox-couple, [Fe(CN)6]-3/-4. The electrochemical double layer capacitance (Cdl) and the electroactive surface area (A) of the electrode were enhanced by the factors of 20 and 52 times, respectively, after the DPV treatment. Moreover, the charge transfer resistance (Rct) of the treated SPCE surface decreased about 78 times compared to the fresh electrode. Excellent electrocatalytic performance and reproducibility were displayed by the DPV-tuned electrode towards the redox species [Fe(CN)6]-3/ -4 which have been strongly supported by the calculated electrochemical parameters. Furthermore, this DPV treated electrode is greatly suitable to detect multiple analytes (such as Cd2+, Cu2+ and Hg2+) in a mixture with excellent reproducibility. However, this multiplex detection ability of the DPV tuned SPCE has created the opportunity for further research regarding the optimization of signal intensity intended for targeted analytes by the determination of various characteristic electrochemical parameters. Therefore, this study will introduce a reliable innovative platform for not only the pre-treatment of SPCEs but also enhance the electrocatalytic activity, reproducibility, electrode surface area, non-faradaic potential window, eliminating the interfering inherent peak of the electrode surface. It also creates a scope to analyze multiple targets simultaneously within the wide potential window, which may reduce the electroanalysis cost dramatically.
Audience Take Away:
- Screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) demonstrate significant potential for downsizing and commercializing affordable electrochemical sensors and biosensor devices
- An advanced and effective electrochemical method to modify the surface of Screen-Printed Carbon Electrodes (SPCEs) using Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV)
- Innovative Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV) tuning technique will overcome the intrinsic limitations of Screen-Printed Carbon Electrodes (SPCEs), thereby broadening their potential for accurate applications in diverse fields
- The students and colleagues associated with the participants could also enhance their knowledge by having this information shared with them
