Palygorskite–expanded graphite electrodes for catalytic electro-oxidation of phenol

A palygorskite–expanded graphite (EG) electrode was developed for degradation of phenol. Phenol was determined by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) with this electrode. Compared to carbon paste electrodes and unmodified EG electrodes, the novel electrode appeared to induce catalytic electro-oxidation of phenol. The dependence of signals on operating conditions was studied. The modified electrode exhibited a linear response over a wide range of phenol concentrations from 50 to 500 µM, with a detection limit of 4.5 µM (s/n = 3). Low cost and very simple manufacturing procedure allow for the novel electrodes to be applied as disposable devices for catalytic electro-oxidation of phenol.