Prospects of using plastic chip electrodes at high current density: Recovery of zinc from acidic sulfate solutions

Unveiling the Robustness: Comprehensive Analysis of Plastic Chip Electrode Stability in Diverse Environments

Plastic chip electrode (PCE) is a polymer composite electrode recognized for its scalability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. PCE features a self-standing structure, bulk conductivity, and a straightforward fabrication process. This multipurpose electrode has been widely used in various applications, including anodic stripping voltammetry, electrocatalysis for water splitting, electrochemical sensors, and electrowinning, often under extreme conditions. Therefore, understanding the stability of PCE across a broad range of conditions is crucial. This study systematically examines the corrosion behaviors and chemical resistance of PCE across the entire pH range (1-14), in seawater (SW) and in industrial effluent (IE). Electrochemical corrosion behaviors were assessed using Tafel polarization studies, while field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) was utilized to investigate pitting behaviors and surface morphology. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was employed to analyze surface functionalities to assess the practical applicability of the treated electrodes. The long-term stability of the electrode in seawater, along with its mechanical robustness, has also been evaluated. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the robustness and potential applications of PCE in diverse and challenging environments.

Empowering Sustainable Energy: Lead-Coated Plastic Chip Electrodes for Effective CO2 Reduction

Electrochemical CO2 reduction is crucial in combatting climate change and advancing sustainable energy practices by converting CO2 into valuable chemicals and fuels, thereby reducing atmospheric CO2 levels and enabling the storage and utilization of renewable energy from intermittent sources like solar and wind. The selection of electrode materials and platform design plays a critical role in enhancing reaction efficiency and product selectivity during CO2 reduction. Various metals, both in their solid forms and coated over substrates, have been used in electrochemical CO2RR. In this study, we utilized electrodeposition to modify the plastic chip electrode (PCE), depositing lead metal onto it through a galvanostatic method at a current density of 100 mA/cm2 from a 0.1 M Pb(NO3)2 aqueous solution. Pb-coated electrodes are crucial due to their high selectivity, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility as electrode materials. Their good stability and durability make them ideal for long-term applications. The electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide using the Pb/PCE electrode as the cathode has been investigated, focusing on assessing how different electrolysis potentials influenced the faradaic efficiency of formic acid production. Our results demonstrated that the peak faradaic efficiency, reaching 86.2%, was achieved at -0.7 V vs RHE over a 5 h electrolysis period.

Plastic Chip Electrode: An Emerging Multipurpose Electrode Platform

The properties of electrodes play a crucial role in the processes occurring on them. Therefore, a variety of materials have been tried as electrodes. Carbon composite materials are among the most admired ones. Use of composites as electrode material dates back to the mid of the last century when polymer-carbon composites were tried as general-purpose electrode platforms and epoxy impregnated graphite paste/ solid electrodes were tried in polarography. Later the composite electrodes have seen several phases of development. Plastic Chip Electrode (PCE) is a class of polymer composite electrode developed by our group. This monographic review gives a bird's eye account of polymer composite electrodes and appurtenant work, followed by elaborating on various aspects and state-of-the-art plastic chip electrodes.