A binder‐free composite of graphite and kaolinite as a stable working electrode for general electrochemical applications

Abstract

Abstract Composite electrodes are essential to overcome dynamic challenges related to electrodes made of polymeric binders. Herein, this work reports a composite electrode consisting of graphite and kaolinite (GKCE) as a potential alternative for commercial electrodes. The GKCE series exhibits exponential decay in resistivity parallel to the linear increase in mechanical strength depending on the relative strength of the unique lamella‐like graphite structure when going from low to high graphite percentage. GKCE with 80% graphite employed as the model working electrode for analyte detection and electropolymerization. GKCE can produce a typical voltammogram response with a narrow potential range and highest sensitivity (1.2 A m/mol) towards the analyte (Fe2+/Fe3+) compared to commercial working electrodes. Electropolymerization with GKCE leads to a polyaniline network consisting of nanofibers with the lowest charge transfer resistance of 403 Ω. GKCE is a potential low‐cost electrode for general electrochemical applications in comparison with expensive commercial working electrodes.

Keywords

• Clay
• Composite electrode
• Conducting materials
• Electrochemistry
• Graphite