Disposable electrodes from waste materials and renewable sources for (bio)electroanalytical applications

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Disposable and screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) are widely used in electroanalysis due to their portability, sensitivity, and low cost.
• The significant electronic waste generated by these devices necessitates sustainable alternatives.
• There is a growing demand for green chemistry approaches in fabricating electrochemical sensors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of recycled and recyclable disposable electrodes.
• To highlight sustainable electrode modifiers derived from renewable or waste materials.
• To present alternative fabrication processes for environmentally friendly SPEs.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on recycling processes for SPEs.
• Analysis of alternative SPE fabrication methods using sustainable materials (paper, agricultural byproducts, spent batteries, CDs/DVDs).
• Investigation of green modifiers for enhanced electrode performance.

Main Results:

• Development of novel recycling processes to limit electronic waste and recover precious materials.
• Successful fabrication of SPEs using diverse eco-friendly sources, including paper and waste materials.
• Identification of high-performing green modifiers for sustainable electroanalytical devices.

Conclusions:

• Recycled and recyclable SPEs offer a sustainable solution to electronic waste in electrochemistry.
• Alternative fabrication processes utilizing renewable and waste materials are crucial for next-generation green sensors.
• The integration of sustainable materials and recycling methods can lead to highly performing and eco-friendly electroanalytical devices.