Comparing electrochemical pre-treated 3D printed native and mechanically polished electrode surfaces for analytical sensing

3D printing is a useful and novel approach towards the manufacturing of electrochemical sensors, due to the ability to make electrodes in any geometry. Electrodes made using 3D printers and pens are seldom used as printed. Most commonly, the electrode surface is polished prior to use. We explored the performance of electrochemically pretreated native (where the surface structure of the printed part was not altered) or mechanically polished electrode surfaces made using two different 3D printing manufacturing approaches. Using a 3D printer and pen, electrodes were made using carbon black/polylactic acid (CB/PLA) filament. Post printing, electrodes were used either as printed or following mechanical polishing. Native electrodes made using the printer had a greater response to inner and outer sphere redox probes, enhanced sensitivity, and greater recovery from dopamine fouling than polished printer made electrodes. This trend was completely reserved in pen made electrodes where the performance of polished electrodes was far greater than that of native electrodes. Native electrodes made using the printer were comparable to polished electrodes made using the pen. These results highlight the influence of printing manufacturing approach and electrode preparation to achieve enhanced analytical measurement.