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Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Electrochemical Preparation of Poly(3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene) Layers on Gold Microelectrodes for Uric Acid-Sensing Applications
Published on: July 28, 2021
Plaster-trodes for electro-analytical sensing via electrodeposition with electro-catalytic metals
Nadeem A Choudhry1, Craig E Banks
1School of Chemistry and the Environment, Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester, M1 5GD, Lancs, UK.
Abstract:
We demonstrate that commercially available plasters (band aids), usually used for wound healing, can be electrolytically modified with a range of electro-catalytic metals for analytical sensing purposes. These 'Plaster-trodes' consist of a mesh type surface which have star-shaped type microelectrodes of ∼150 micron radius in a hexagonal pattern which are separated from its nearest neighbours by ∼1250 microns with interlinking connections between each microelectrode which are generally electrochemically active resulting in micro-band-type connections. Proof-of-concept is shown where the Plaster-trode is electrolytically modified with palladium for the sensing of hydrazine and nickel for the direct oxidation of ethanol. Given the low cost of the Plaster-trode which can be readily modified with electro-catalytic metals, we expect this new electrode to be widely utilised in electro-analysis.
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