Unveiling the Robustness: Comprehensive Analysis of Plastic Chip Electrode Stability in Diverse Environments

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Polymer Composites

Background:

• Plastic chip electrode (PCE) is a scalable, cost-effective polymer composite electrode.
• PCE offers a self-standing structure, bulk conductivity, and simple fabrication.
• Its versatility makes it suitable for applications like sensors and electrocatalysis, often in extreme conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically evaluate the corrosion behavior and chemical resistance of PCE.
• To assess PCE stability across the full pH range (1-14), in seawater (SW), and industrial effluent (IE).
• To determine the practical applicability and robustness of PCE in challenging environments.

Main Methods:

• Tafel polarization studies for electrochemical corrosion assessment.
• Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) for surface morphology and pitting analysis.
• X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for surface functionality analysis.

Main Results:

• PCE exhibits significant corrosion resistance across the entire pH spectrum.
• FE-SEM revealed minimal pitting, indicating good surface integrity.
• XPS analysis confirmed stable surface functionalities after exposure to various media.
• Long-term tests in seawater demonstrated mechanical robustness.

Conclusions:

• PCE is a highly stable and chemically resistant electrode material.
• Its robust performance in diverse environments supports its broad applicability.
• This study validates PCE's suitability for demanding electrochemical applications.