Fabrication of High-Performance Neural Stimulation Electrode through Pulsed Electrochemical Deposition of IrOx onto Nano-Porous Platinum

Electrodes for neural stimulation are pivotal in medical and brain science applications. This study aims to prepare novel neural stimulating electrodes with enhanced electrochemical performance and improved mechanical stability through a two-step electrochemical deposition process. Initially, a highly porous platinum (Porous-Pt) electrode with high nanoscale roughness is fabricated, followed by the incorporation of IrO x onto the Porous-Pt surface. The resulting IrO x /Porous-Pt electrode combines the advantages of both materials, offering low impedance, significantly increased CIC, and improved mechanical stability. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the porous surface of the electrode consisting of sphere-shaped Pt nanoparticles offers a significant effective surface area, promoting strong adhesion and stability for uniform IrO x deposition onto Porous-Pt. This characteristic contributed to the long-term mechanical stability of the IrO x /Porous-Pt electrode.