Electron transfer rate, active surface area and electrocatalytic performance of graphenized pencil lead electrodes

In this study graphenized pencil lead electrodes (GPLE) was prepared by electrochemical exfoliation of pencil lead electrode (PLE) by applying an optimized potential in acidic media. The prepared GPLE was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and electrochemical techniques. Active surface area and electron transfer rate of the prepared GPLE was improved remarkably in comparison with regular pencil lead electrode. Electrocatalytic performance of the GPLE was studied in details by determination of Bisphenol A in various real samples using differential pulse voltammetry technique. The fabricated electrode responds efficiently to Bisphenol in the linear range of 10-50 nM with the detection limit of 4.53 nM and sensitivity of 8.58 μA μM-1. Low cost, simplicity of fabrication, renewability, high sensitivity and accuracy makes this electrode as a suitable choice for rapid determination of BPA in routine and clinical analysis.