Carbon Nanomaterials-Based Screen-Printed Electrodes for Sensing Applications

Abstract

Electrochemical sensors consisting of screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) are recurrent devices in the recent literature for applications in different fields of interest and contribute to the expanding electroanalytical chemistry field. This is due to inherent characteristics that can be better (or only) achieved with the use of SPEs, including miniaturization, cost reduction, lower sample consumption, compatibility with portable equipment, and disposability. SPEs are also quite versatile; they can be manufactured using different formulations of conductive inks and substrates, and are of varied designs. Naturally, the analytical performance of SPEs is directly affected by the quality of the material used for printing and modifying the electrodes. In this sense, the most varied carbon nanomaterials have been explored for the preparation and modification of SPEs, providing devices with an enhanced electrochemical response and greater sensitivity, in addition to functionalized surfaces that can immobilize biological agents for the manufacture of biosensors. Considering the relevance and timeliness of the topic, this review aimed to provide an overview of the current scenario of the use of carbonaceous nanomaterials in the context of making electrochemical SPE sensors, from which different approaches will be presented, exploring materials traditionally investigated in electrochemistry, such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, carbon black, and those more recently investigated for this (carbon quantum dots, graphitic carbon nitride, and biochar). Perspectives on the use and expansion of these devices are also considered.

Newly Developed Electrochemiluminescence Based on Bipolar Electrochemistry for Multiplex Biosensing Applications: A Consolidated Review

“…BE fabrication can also be achieved using several materials such as glassy carbon [ 95 ]. It is well-recognized that carbon-based materials such as glassy carbon, graphite, and carbon nanotubes are desirable due to their distinct advantages, such as electrical conductivity, biocompatibility, low cost, and straightforward fabrication [ 96 , 97 , 98 ]. As an example, our research group [ 99 ] also fabricated an inexpensive and disposable sensing platform for detecting H 2 O 2 using the pencil core as the BE.…”

Preparation, Modification, and Application of Biochar in the Printing Field: A Review

“…In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the sustainability of printing inks to reduce the carbon footprint of the printing industry. Screen printing (SPE) is a well-established technology used in the mass production of electrochemical sensors [ 102 ]. Due to its inert internal structure and highly functionalized surface, biochar offers excellent electron transfer kinetics, reproducibility, and high sensitivity [ 103 ].…”

Simultaneous recognition of dopamine and uric acid in real samples through highly sensitive new electrode fabricated using ZnO/carbon quantum dots: bio-imaging and theoretical studies

“…The incorporation of carbon materials in electrocatalytic ink improves its physical chemical and electrochemical properties. 50 Consequently, CPE with ZnO/CQDs can function as an ink, improving the electrocatalytic behaviors of SPEs, and as a wearable sensor.…”