Electrolysis Electrode.

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The primary objective of these designs is outlined in the scientific paper "Electrolysis Activation of Fused Filament Fabrication 3D Printed Electrodes for Electrochemical and Spectroelectrochemical Analysis," which was published in the journal Analytical Chemistry. The publication's DOI is 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b01331. This particular part serves as an extended version of the standard electrode, allowing it to rest entirely in electrolyte solution during electrolysis when using the electrolysis cell. Both ProtoPasta (www.proto-pasta.com/products/conductive-pla) and BlackMagic (www.blackmagic3d.com/default.asp) PLA-composite 3D printing filaments were used to print this part. The activation of the electrode, which enhances conductivity, can be achieved through either a soaking process or an electrolysis process. Our research has determined that enhancement of up to three orders of magnitude can be achieved using both methods. Electrode Activation Using Electrolysis - Recommended For the electrolysis process, 7.5 milliliters of a one-molar salt solution were added to each side of the electrolysis cell. An electrochemical connection between the compartments was maintained by using an approximately one-square-centimeter section of paper towel dipped in the electrolyte of both compartments. Electrolysis was performed using a nine-volt battery. The negative terminal, typically the black wire, connected to the compartment that became more alkaline and therefore more conductive. The same time ranges apply here. 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. However, please exercise caution when using batteries around liquids. Nine-volt 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 type of salt will work fine. For common table salt (NaCl), one gram of salt makes approximately 17 milliliters of a one-molar salt solution. Alternatively, one teaspoon of salt can be used to make approximately 95 milliliters (3.2 fluid ounces) of a one-molar salt solution. Electrode Activation Using Hydroxide Solution For the soaking process, ten milliliters of a four-molar hydroxide solution can be used. The optimal time for this electrode was found to be six to twenty-four hours when using the BlackMagic filament and twenty-four to seventy-two 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 is available on Amazon (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 four-molar solution, mix sixteen grams of NaOH with approximately 100 milliliters of water. This is an exothermic process and should be performed in a well-ventilated area.