Assessing the Electrochemical Behavior of Microcontact-Printed Silver Nanogrids

This paper describes a laboratory exercise used to address the ongoing need for nanotechnology-related, hands-on laboratory experiences for undergraduate students. Determination of the electrochemical behavior of student-fabricated silver nanogrids is reported. Students successfully used cyclic voltammetry to analyze silver nanogrids printed using microcontact printing and subsequent metallization. The silver nanogrids exhibit electrochemical behavior similar to that of electrodes manufactured in industry. Additionally, optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were used to assess nanogrid quality and dimensions.