Laser-Induced Graphene Electrodes for Electrochemistry Education and Research

Many aspects of electrochemical education, such as electroanalysisdemonstrations, require three-electrode-cell experimental setups.Many researchers and educators use screen-printed electrochemicalelectrodes, which are miniature and disposable but are relativelyexpensive and use proprietary fabrication components. The presentarticle describes how to laser-scribe complete three-electrode graphene-basedelectrodes that can compete with (and, in some regards, even rival)commercial screen-printed electrodes. The process of optimizationof the lasing procedure to produce laser-induced graphene using almostany laser cutter available to the reader is described. A way to forma Ag/AgCl pseudoreference electrode on the graphene trace to completethe three-electrode cell, without usage of commercial inks or complicatedprinting technologies, is demonstrated. Electrochemical characterizationof the electrode surface, reference electrode stability, and studentpractice demonstration of analytic applications of the produced cells(determination of dopamine concentration and coffee polyphenols) aredescribed. These experiments and procedures act both as a method offabrication of laser-scribed electrodes and as an educational materialfor introduction to electrodeposition, voltammetry, and electroanalysis.

Automated summary

This article presents a method of laser-scribing three-electrode graphene-based electrodes that can rival commercial screen-printed electrodes. The article also demonstrates a way to form a pseudoreference electrode on the graphene trace and describes the characterization of the electrode surface and student practice demonstrations. These experiments and procedures serve as both a fabrication method for laser-scribed electrodes and educational material for electrochemistry.