Thermoplastic electrodes (TPEs) are carbon composite electrodes consisting of graphite and thermoplastic polymer binder. TPE production is a solvent-based method, which makes it easy to fabricate and pattern into complex geometries, contrary to classical carbon composite electrodes. Depending on the composition (carbon type, binder, and composition ratio), TPEs can give excellent electrochemical performance and high conductivity. However, these TPEs are relatively new electrode materials, and thorough electrochemical characterization is still missing to understand and predict why large differences between TPEs exist. We used scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) as a screening tool to characterize TPEs. SECM data treatment based on scanning probe microscopy imaging allows a fast and easy comparison of the numerous images, as well as the optimization of the preparation. Experiments suggest that TPEs behave as a network of interacting microelectrodes made by electrochemically active islands isolated between less active areas. Higher carbon content in TPEs is not always indicative of more uniform electrodes with better electrochemical performances. Using various SECM redox probes, it is possible to select a specific graphite or polymer type for the analyte of interest. For example, TPEs made with COC:3569 are the best compromise for general detection, whereas PMMA:11 μm is better suited for catechol-like polyphenol analysis.

中文翻译：

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碳复合热塑性电极的SECM研究

热塑性电极（TPE）是由石墨和热塑性聚合物粘合剂组成的碳复合电极。TPE生产是一种基于溶剂的方法，与传统的碳复合电极相反，它易于制造并制成复杂的几何图形。取决于组成（碳类型，粘合剂和组成比），TPE可以提供出色的电化学性能和高电导率。但是，这些TPE是相对较新的电极材料，仍然缺少透彻的电化学特性以了解和预测为什么TPE之间存在较大差异。我们使用扫描电化学显微镜（SECM）作为筛选工具来表征TPE。基于扫描探针显微镜成像的SECM数据处理可快速轻松地比较众多图像，以及准备工作的优化。实验表明，TPE表现为由微弱活性区域之间隔离的电化学活性岛制成的相互作用微电极网络。TPE中较高的碳含量并不总是表明电极具有更佳的电化学性能。使用各种SECM氧化还原探针，可以为感兴趣的分析物选择特定的石墨或聚合物类型。例如，用COC：3569制得的TPE是常规检测的最佳折衷方案，而PMMA：11μm更适合于儿茶酚样多酚分析。TPE中较高的碳含量并不总是表明电极具有更佳的电化学性能。使用各种SECM氧化还原探针，可以为感兴趣的分析物选择特定的石墨或聚合物类型。例如，用COC：3569制得的TPE是常规检测的最佳折衷方案，而PMMA：11μm更适合于儿茶酚样多酚分析。TPE中较高的碳含量并不总是表明电极具有更佳的电化学性能。使用各种SECM氧化还原探针，可以为感兴趣的分析物选择特定的石墨或聚合物类型。例如，用COC：3569制得的TPE是常规检测的最佳折衷方案，而PMMA：11μm更适合于儿茶酚样多酚分析。