Electrolysis Electrode.

youmagine

The general purpose of these designs are described in “Electrolysis Activation of Fused Filament Fabrication 3D Printed Electrodes for Electrochemical and Spectroelectrochemical Analysis”, which is published in the journal Analytical Chemistry. DOI:10.1021/acs.analchem.9b01331 This particular part is an extended version of the "standard electrode" that allows the entire "standard electrode" portion to rest in electrolyte solution during electrolysis when using the "electrolysis cell". We have printed this part using both ProtoPasta (https://www.proto-pasta.com/products/conductive-pla ) and BlackMagic (http://www.blackmagic3d.com/default.asp ) PLA-composite 3D printing filaments. Activation of the electrode (enhancement of the conductivity) can be achieved through either a soaking process or through an electrolysis process. Enhancement over 3 orders of magnitude have been experimentally determined using both methods. Electrode activation using electrolysis - Recommended For the electrolysis process, 7.5 mL of a 1M salt solution was added to either side of the "electrolysis cell". Electrochemical connection between the compartments was maintained by using an approximately 1 cm^2 section of paper towel dipped in the electrolyte of both compartments. Electrolysis was performed using a 9V battery. Connection from the battery to the electrodes was accomplished using commercial 9V battery snap connectors with alligator clips. Note that the negative terminal (typically the black wire) will connect to the compartment that becomes more alkaline (and therefore more conductive). The same time ranges described below apply here. Note that due to the acid/base chemistry occurring in either compartment, the waste solution from the two compartments can be mixed and then poured down the drain safely. Please exercise caution when using batteries around liquids. 9V batteries used in our research were purchased from amazon: https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Everyday-Alkaline-Batteries-8-Pack/dp/B00MH4QM1S battery snap connectors with alligator clips can also be found on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/SDTC-Tech-Connector-Positive-Alligator/dp/B07NTH8VGH/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=battery+snap+connectors+with+alligator+clips&qid=1554746475&s=gateway&sr=8-2 For the salt solution, any salt will work fine. For common table salt (NaCl), 1 gram of salt will make approximately 17 mL of 1M salt solution. Alternatively, 1 teaspoon of salt can be used to make approximately 95 mL (3.2 fl oz) of a 1M salt solution. Electrode activation using hydroxide solution For the soaking process, 10 mL of a 4M hydroxide solution can be used. The optimal time for this electrode was found to be 6-24 hours when using the BlackMagic Filament and 24-72 hours when using the ProtoPasta filament. In our studies we used sodium hydroxide, which can be purchased online. Please note that high concentrations of hydroxide are corrosive and should be handled with care! Sodium hydroxide: https://www.amazon.com/Sodium-Hydroxide-Pure-Grade-Caustic/dp/B06W57NL8S/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=sodium+hydroxide&qid=1554747032&s=gateway&sr=8-3 To prepare a 4M solution, mix 16 grams NaOH with approximately 100 mL of water. Note that this is an exothermic process and should be performed in a well ventilated area.