Preparation of graphite-loaded epoxy-based voltammetric electrodes using a multi-layer coating and hardening technique

Abstract

A highly satisfactory method of preparing graphite-loaded epoxy-based coated wire and disc electrodes has been developed that involves the application of a mixture of graphite and unhardened epoxy base to the surface to be coated. This mixture is sufficiently fluid for the surface to be coated thinly and smoothly. The coated surface is placed in the atmosphere above 40%m/m hydrofluoric acid solution for 2–5 min and is then removed and hardened at 50–60 °C (2–5 min). The procedure is repeated several times to build up successive layers. Electrodes with excellent performances in terms of low background currents and well shaped linear-sweep voltammograms can be made routinely using from three to ten coatings depending on the material being coated.