A PVC–graphite composite electrode for electroanalytical use. Preparation and some applications

The preparation of a new carbon composite electrode, constructed from PVC–graphite compressed mixtures, is described. The performance as a working electrode for oxidative voltammetry was studied with cyclic voltammetry on hexacyanoferrate(III) in 1 M HCl. Catechol and hydroquinone were also used as model test systems. Well defined current potential curves are reported. Examples of applications in anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV), including the formation of mercury films are presented. The possible use of PVC–graphite electrodes placed in a typical wall-jet flow cell as amperometric detectors was also examined by employing catechol as the test analyte. The PVC–graphite composite exhibits favorable qualities as an electrode material, with respect to its mechanical resistance, very low cost, simple preparation and easy renewal of the electrode surface. The results show a satisfactory combination of good electrode kinetics, with small background current, and relatively reproducible signals.