The influence of process parameters of screen-printed invasive plant paper electrodes on cyclic voltammetry

Abstract Using disposable screen-printed electrodes is a convenient way of monitoring environmental pollution, production process control etc. Usually, commercially available screen-printed electrodes are used, but more and more studies are being carried out in the field of printing electrodes on thinner, low-cost and versatile substrates, including paper. In the present research, the comparison of screen-printed electrodes printed on different paper-based materials is presented. Two unique and innovative invasive plant-based papers made from (1) Japanese knotweed, (2) Canadian and Giant goldenrod and (3) commercially available cardboard were used as a printing material for the electrodes. The selected paper substrates were characterized, and screen-printed electrodes were printed. The influence of substrates’ properties and pre- or post-treatment of the screen-printed electrodes on the electrochemical behaviour is thoroughly analyzed. The results indicate that the printing substrate (roughness) had the most significant influence on the cyclic voltammetry response. Comparing pre- and post-treatment of screen-printed electrodes, it was shown that grinding influenced the electrochemical activity significantly, while corona discharge does not have as significant influence. Besides, it was shown that the invasive plant-based papers are viable alternatives to commercially available papers and can be used as low-cost and eco-friendly alternatives for disposable screen-printed electrodes.