Synthesis of graphite/Ag/AgCl nanocomposite electrode materials

Nanocomposite electrode materials composed of graphite, Ag and AgCl were prepared by impregnation of graphite with a suspension of silver nanoparticles followed by anodizing in hydrochloric acid to obtain a layer of silver chloride on the surface of the nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by the reduction of silver salts in benzyl alcohol. It was shown that the mass fraction of 1% Ag in the nanocomposite is optimal for creating a uniform coating of carbon surface with nanoparticles. The preliminary treatment of the graphite surface by the 0.75HNO₃-0.25H₂SO₄ mixture resulted in formation of silver nanoparticles with the smallest size of 5-10 nm and their uniform distribution over the graphite surface. It was found that the nanocomposite electrode materials under study meet general requirements for electrocardiographic electrodes.