CARBON AEROGEL COMPOSITE ELECTRODES

The electrochemical behavior and analytical performance of new vitreou s carbon aerogel composite electrodes are described. These new composi te electrodes rely on the unique open-cell nanostructure of aerogel ma terials, including their interconnected porosity, ultrafine pore sizes (<50 nm), and huge surface area. Transmission and scanning electron m icroscopies are used to shed useful insights into the carbon network. The enhanced diffusional flux results in a sigmoidal voltammetric resp onse and nonlinear i vs t-1/2 chronoamperometric plots. The potential window is broad, and the background currents are low. Square-wave anod ic stripping voltammetry at the mercury-coated carbon aerogel composit e electrode is demonstrated for the quantitation of trace metals at th e microgram per liter level using short deposition periods. These carb on aerogels and other aerogels present new opportunities for a wide ra nge of electrode materials.