Patterning (Electro)chemical Treatment-Free Electrodes with a 3D Printing Pen

Author(s)

Pradela-Filho, Lauro A. A. ; Veloso, William B. B. ; Medeiros, Debora N. ; Lins, Renato S. O. ; Ferreira, Bruno ; Bertotti, Mauro ; Paixao, Thiago R. L. C.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Analytical Chemistry; v. 95, n. 28, p. 10-pg., 2023-06-22.

Abstract

A simple fabrication method to make electrochemical sensorsisreported. The electrodes were fabricated with a commercial filamentbased on polylactic acid and carbon black (PLA/CB). They were engineeredwith a three-dimensional (3D) printing pen and poly(methyl methacrylate)template. The optimization parameters included the thickness and diametersof the electrodes. The electrode diameter was restricted by the 3Dprinting pen's nozzle dimension, and larger diameters generatedsmall cracks on the electrode surface, compromising their analyticalsignal. The electrode thickness can increase the electrical resistance,affecting their electrochemical response. The fabrication showed reproducibility(RSD = 4%). The electrode surface was easily renewed by sanding theelectrodes, making them reusable. Additionally, the proposed sensorprovided comparable electrochemical responses over traditional glassycarbon electrodes. Moreover, no (electro)chemical surface treatmentwas required for sensing applications due to the compromise betweenthe thickness and diameters of the electrodes, effectively translatingthe filaments' electrical properties to resulting materials.The electrodes' analytical performance was shown for organicand inorganic species, including paraquat, Pb2+, and caffeicacid. As proof of concept, the analytical applicability was demonstratedfor total polyphenolic quantification in tea samples. Therefore, thiswork provides an alternative to fabricating miniaturized electrodes,bringing valuable insights into PLA/CB 3D-printed sensors and openingpossibilities for designing electrode arrays. Moreover, the proposedelectrodes are promising platforms for paper-based microfluidic systems. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/00205-8 - Miniaturized and/or microfluidic analytical devices for biological applications
• Grantee: Lauro Antonio Pradela Filho
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 19/00811-5 - EMU granted in process 2018/08782-1: materials deposition system by ink-jet
• Grantee: Mauro Bertotti
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
• FAPESP's process: 18/08782-1 - Miniaturized and integrated chemical sensors: new fabrication platforms for biological, clinical and environmental applications
• Grantee: Mauro Bertotti
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants