Validation of PVC-graphite composite electrodes for routine analytical work

A systematic procedure to check the performance of the PVC-graphite composite electrodes used in routine amperometric and voltammetric measurements is proposed. After careful preparation of the composite material and packing it in the appropriate electrode body, a list of tests is proposed (background signal characteristics, reversibility, baseline restoration, sensitivity and precision) for the rapid checking of the quality of the electrode built. Some quality control strategies were designed in order to assure that the validation conditions were fulfilled for long-term analytical work. Thus, a final protocol can be suggested for this kind of electroanalytical work, as well as some final recommendation from a quality point of view.