Metal Paste Nanocomposite Electrodes as a New Generation of Metallic Electrodes

Abstract

Fabrication of metal paste nanocomposite electrodes is introduced using metal nanostructures and ionic liquids. The combined application of unique properties of nanomaterials and ionic liquids in the design of these metal paste nanocomposites results in electrodes with interesting advantages compared to the conventional metal disk electrodes. In contrast to conventional metallic electrodes, which are usually prone to fouling effects and suffer from weak repeatability and reproducibility, these metal paste nanocomposite electrodes have very exciting advantages. Ease of electrode fabrication; cleaning and activating the electrode surface, together with high electrocatalytic activity; increased degree of active area and surface roughness; antifouling effect; good signal-to-noise ratio; low cost; and low weight are among the advantageous features of these electrodes. Compared to dropping mercury electrodes that have high toxicity, these metal paste nanocomposite electrodes have much less toxicity. Such abilities promote new opportunities for a wide range of electrochemical, sensing, and biosensing applications.