Arrays of Screen-Printed Graphite Microband Electrodes as a Versatile Electroanalysis Platform

Abstract

Arrays of microband electrodes were developed by screen printing followed by cutting, which enabled the realization of microband arrays at the cut edge. The microband arrays of different designs were characterized by physical and electrochemical methods. In both cases, the methods showed that the microband width was around 5μm. Semi-steady-state cyclic voltammetry responses were observed for redox probes, and chronocoulometric measurements showed the establishment of convergent diffusion regimes characterized by current densities similar to those of a single microelectrode. The analytical performance of the electrode system and its versatility were illustrated with two electrochemical assays: detection of ascorbic acid through direct oxidation and a mediated glucose biosensor fabricated by dip coating. Due to convergent mass transport, both systems showed an enhancement in their analytical characteristics. The developed approach can be adapted to automated electrode recovery. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH