A low-cost disposal pencil electrode for cyclic voltammetry analysis

This study explores the use of disposable pencil electrodes in cyclic voltammetry (CV) and compares their performance to traditional glassy carbon electrodes. We conducted CV tests to evaluate different pencil grades, HB, 2B, 4B, 6B, 8B, and 10B along with glassy carbon to assess response time, peak current, and electrode stability during the analysis of potassium ferrocyanide. The results showed that the 4B pencil outperformed other grades and the glassy carbon electrode, with faster response times, higher peak currents, and greater stability. Notably, the 4B pencil's anodic and cathodic currents were higher at 25 mV/s scan rate. This work demonstrates that 4B pencils can serve as cost-effective and reliable alternatives to glassy carbon electrodes in electrochemical applications, offering an accessible option for potassium ferrocyanide analysis and broader electrochemical studies.