Preparation and characterization of graphite-coated metallic electrodes: the graphite-sprayed electrode

Graphite-coated metal electrodes were constructed and evaluated for use in voltammetry. Aluminium, copper and platinum electrodes were sprayed with a colloidal solution of graphite particles dispersed in methyl methacrylate polymer. The polishing step was omitted for anodic stripping voltammetry with a mercury film. The resistance is about 1 Ω. Electrode areas are readily reproduced by utilizing metal supports with equal areas. Background currents are very low and useful potential ranges are extended, with −1.3 to +1.7 V vs. SCE being possible, depending on the electrolyte. It is possible to achieve ±0.1% precision for the peak-currents in the electrochemical oxidation of ferrocyanide. For phenol, which is strongly adsorbed, a precision of 2.5% can be achieved by polishing the electrode before each determination.