Facile assembly of graphene on anion exchange resin microspheres for electrochemical sensing and biosensing

Graphene sheets were assembled on anion exchange resin (AER) microspheres based on the electrostatic interactions between graphene oxide and AER and subsequent chemical reduction. The prepared graphene-coated AER microspheres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. They were then embedded in the bores of pipette tips to fabricate disposable electrodes for electrochemical sensing. The workability and performance of the novel electrodes were examined by analyzing the electrochemical behavior of the electrodes for the sensing of ascorbic acid, dopamine, uric acid, acetaminophen, aniline, and glucose by cyclic voltammetry and amperometry. The advantages of the electrodes include ease of fabrication, low cost, pronounced electrocatalytic activity, and rapid response. Thus, they hold great promise for a wide range of applications.