Low-cost 3D-printing system for the deposition of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) thin films by dip-coating with application for electrode fabrication

A low-cost 3D-printing system is reported for the deposition of thin films by a dip-coating technique. The structure was constructed using 3D-printed pieces of polylactic acid (PLA) joined by simple snap-fit. This structure assembly and design simplifies the construction and replicability of dip-coating equipment. The components used are affordable and accessible, reducing the cost of implementation. An Arduino controls the system through a C++ program that varies the pulling and dipping speed from 0.5 to 20 mm/s. The pulling and dipping process uses a servomotor motion transformed into linear by a rack and pinion mechanism. The performance of the presented system was validated by comparison of thin-film reduced graphene oxide (rGO) deposition onto gold. The rGO thin films obtained were homogeneous and smooth, capable of being used as electrodes in biosensors.

Automated summary

A low-cost 3D-printing system for thin film deposition is reported. The system is constructed using 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) pieces, making it easy to assemble and replicate. An Arduino controls the system and allows for adjustable pulling and dipping speed. The performance of the system is validated by depositing rGO thin films onto gold.