Electrochemical deposition and mechanism investigation of Prussian blue on graphic carbon paste electrode from an acidic ferricyanide solution

Prussian blue (PB) films were electrochemically deposited on graphite carbon paste electrodes (GCPEs) from an acidic solution of ferricyanide using the potentiodynamic and potentiostatic techniques. Interestingly, we, for the first time, observed that on the surface of GCPE, the electrochemistry of PB films strongly depended on the deposition potential. A maximum formation rate of PB was obtained at a more positive deposition potential (0.4 V vs saturated calomel electrode) on GCPE than that on Au or Pt electrode. The ratio of peak current at ca 0.75 V to the one at 0.19 V varied with the deposition potential. In addition, the electrocatalytic activity of the modified GCPEs towards the reduction of hydrogen peroxide considerably changed with the formation potentials of the PB films. These phenomena can be due to the different formation mechanism of PB at different deposition potentials. Dedicated to Prof. Dr. Teresa Iwasita on the occasion of her 65th birthday in recognition of her numerous contributions to interfacial electrochemistry.