Surface Modification of Screen-Printed Carbon Electrodes
Naila Haroon, Keith J. Stine
Abstract
SPCEs are crucial for electrochemical sensing because of their portability, low cost, disposability, and ease of mass production. This study details their manufacture, surface modifications, electrochemical characterization, and use in chemical and biosensing. SPCEs integrate working, reference, and counter electrodes on PVC or polyester substrates for compact sensor design. Surface modifications, such as plasma treatment (O2, Ar), nanomaterial addition (AuNPs, GO, CNTs), polymer coatings, and MIPs, enhance performance. These changes improve sensitivity, selectivity, stability, and electron transport. Electrochemical methods such as CV, DPV, SWV, and EIS detect analytes, including biomolecules (glucose, dopamine, and pathogens) and heavy metals (Pb2+, As3+). Their applications include healthcare diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and food safety. Modified SPCEs enable rapid on-site analysis and offer strong potential to transform our understanding of the physical world.