Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 9.1.
Schematic representation of the screen-printed electrodes
production process.
onto the top of the screen. Ink is then forced through the fine mesh
openings using a squeegee that applies pressure. After every stage
ofprintingaseriesofdryingstagestoeliminatesolvents,andafinal
cured step to a certain temperature.
Finally, the support is covered with an insulating layer leaving
uncovered only the electrode area andthe electrical contacts.
9.2.1
Types of Screen-Printed Electrodes
As it has been mentioned in the previous section, due to the
versatility of the production process of screen-printed electrodes,
a wide range of SPEs can be made, containing only the working
electrode, working and counter electrodes to work with an external
reference electrode, a complete electrochemical cell, or even with
multiple working electrodes, for applications where a disposable
electrode is desired to perform electrochemical measurements
Fig. 9.2.
The most employed inks for the fabrication of screen-printed
electrodes are made of carbon, gold, platinum, or silver. Neverthe-
less, other materials can beeasily used.
Gold or platinum are used in SPEs fabrication, avoiding the
use of a great quantity of these expensive materials. In this sense,
sometimesanarrowsingle-electrodesensorisusedtoreplacemetal
electrodes.
