Cyclovoltammetry Analysis of Epoxy-Reinforced Graphene Nanocomposites

Abstract

Epoxy composites embedded with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were examined for their potential use as electrode materials in electrochemical sensing applications, attributed to their superior electrical conductivity, thermal stability, and mechanical strength. In this investigation, graphene nanoplatelet was processed with an epoxy matrix, namely Epon 828, using the three-roll technique. The composites, containing 0.5 to 5 wt.% graphene nanoplatelets in the epoxy matrix were characterized via electrochemical processes at 3 and 5 wt.% graphene nanoplatelets; notable electrochemical performance was observed. Including graphene significantly enhanced the electrode material’s properties in cyclic voltammetry studies using Na2SO4 as the electrolyte. Electrical conductivity studies revealed a percolation threshold at 1 wt.% graphene nanoplatelet, with further increases in conductivity confirming the composite’s effectiveness as an electrode material for electrochemical sensing of thiourea in seawater. The sensitivity and selectivity of the epoxy-graphene electrode were validated as satisfactory through cyclic voltammetry analysis.

Keywords

• epoxy
• graphene
• cyclovoltammetry
• na2so4