Electrochemically modified electrodes for ethanol detection

This experimental thesis study explored the development of ethanol detection in liquid phase through electrochemical sensing. It begins with a comprehensive introduction of cyclic voltammetry, an essential analytical technique, along with its applications in analyte detection. This overview lays the foundation for understanding the significance of ethanol sensors and the role of electrode modification, particularly emphasizing the use of double-layered hydroxides (LDHs) as electrocatalyst. Electrodeposition and characterization of LDH on standard working electrode materials like glassy carbon and inkjet-printed graphene electrodes were carried out in order to achieve a stable and reproducible electrode modification. Furthermore, the study addressed the principles of the electrode response to ethanol, with a specific focus on inkjet-printed graphene electrodes, which are supposed to be used as disposable low cost sensors. These findings shall open the way for valuable insights into the feasibility and efficiency of LDH-based electrochemical ethanol sensors in solution. The study moved forward with a meticulous investigation into the performance of a LDH-graphene oxide (GO) composite using cyclic voltammetry for the oxidation of ethanol. Electrochemical analysis and sensing experiments were conducted with the objective of evaluating optimal parameters for enhancing measurement accuracy. The results obtained from this thesis suggest that electrochemical sensing of ethanol, both with LDH on glassy carbon and inkjet-printed graphene, was feasible, further studies should be carried out to achieve more reliable and reproducible outcomes.