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

Screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) has various crucial applications as biosensors. The binders used in the ink formulation of the SPCEs reduce the electron transfer from an electrolyte to it. In this study, we used an argon atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ), a cost-effective device, to modify the SPCE surface. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results show binder removal and oxidation of the APPJ-treated SPCE surface. Due to binder removal and exposure of graphitic surface, the hydrophilicity of the APPJ-treated SPCE surface enhances significantly. Moreover, oxidation makes the electrode more suitable for dopamine adsorption, resulting in enhanced sensitivity. The detection limit for the APPJ-treated electrode is 1 mu m, as observed in this study. Cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy have been performed on APPJ-treated and untreated SPCEs.

Automated summary

Screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) is widely used in biosensors. Surface modification of SPCE with argon atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) can remove binders, oxidize the surface, enhance hydrophilicity, and improve sensitivity for dopamine adsorption.