title: Plaster-trodes for electro-analytical sensing via electrodeposition with electro-catalytic metals.
abstract: We demonstrate that commercially available plasters (band aids), usually used for wound healing, can be electrolytically modified with a range of electro-catalytic metals for analytical sensing purposes. These 'Plaster-trodes' consist of a mesh type surface which have star-shaped type microelectrodes of ∼150 micron radius in a hexagonal pattern which are separated from its nearest neighbours by ∼1250 microns with interlinking connections between each microelectrode which are generally electrochemically active resulting in micro-band-type connections. Proof-of-concept is shown where the Plaster-trode is electrolytically modified with palladium for the sensing of hydrazine and nickel for the direct oxidation of ethanol. Given the low cost of the Plaster-trode which can be readily modified with electro-catalytic metals, we expect this new electrode to be widely utilised in electro-analysis.
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry and the Environment, Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester, M1 5GD, Lancs, UK.
authors.forename: Nadeem A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Choudhry
authors.forename: Craig E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Banks