Augmentation of conductive pathways in carbon black/PLA 3D-printed electrodes achieved through varying printing parameters.

3D-printing of conductive carbon materials in sensing applications and energy storage devices has significant potential, however high resistivity of 3D-printed filaments poses a challenge. Strategies to enhance sensors post printing are time consuming and can reduce structural integrity. In this work, we investigated the effects different printing layer thickness and orientation can have on the electron transfer kinetics and resistivity of conductive materials. The response of these electrodes was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and imaging. Electrodes printed with the lowest layer thickness of 0.1 mm in a vertical orientation had the greatest conductivity. With increasing print layer thickness and printing in a horizontal orientation, the electrode was more resistive. This work is the first to demonstrate the significant impact 3D-printing parameters can have on the electron transfer kinetics of carbon conductive electrodes. The implications of this study are important in defining the manufacturing process of electrodes for all applications. Electron transfer in 3D-printed electrodes: 3d-printed electrodes are printed in vertical and horizontal orientation with thickness ranging from 0.1 to 0.4 mm. Electron transfer kinetics are enhanced in vertical orientation at lower print layer thickness due to the formation of less air voids and more conductive pathways. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]