Electrochemical paper-based devices: When the simple replacement of the support to print ecodesigned electrodes radically improves the features of the electrochemical devices

Abstract

Paper-based electrochemical (bio)sensors have emerged as highly attractive analytical devices for their superior sustainable features, such as avoiding the use of polyester as support and the reduction of waste, being incinerated after use. However, paper-based electrochemical (bio)sensors have recently demonstrated further advantages, including the simple combination with vertical microfluidics and their use as a reservoir to deliver smart electrochemical (bio)sensors able to i) contain the reagents, ii) preconcentrate the target analyte, and iii) synthesize the nanomaterials inside the paper network. Furthermore, these devices have demonstrated their ability to overcome the limitations of the other printed electrochemical sensors in the measurement of entirely liquid samples by detecting the target analyte in the aerosol phase or solid sample, without the additional sampling system. These achievements highlight their valuable and varied advantages in the sensing sector. • Paper-based electrochemical sensors to preconcentrate the target analyte. • Paper as reactor to synthesize the nanomaterials delivering nanomaterial-decorated devices. • Paper-based electrochemical sensors for detection in aerosol phase or in solid sample. • Reagent-free electrochemical devices.