Characterization of Clay Materials from Côte d’Ivoire: Possible Application for the Electrochemical Analysis

Abstract

The utilization of clay minerals as electrode modifiers is based on their unique structure and properties. In this study, clays from various regions of Côte d'Ivoire were characterized for their potential use in developing electrochemical sensors. The clay samples underwent analysis via X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) mapping analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Results from XRD, FTIR, SEM, and XRF indicated that kaolinite was the primary component mineral phase in all samples. These clays were then employed as modifying agents to prepare modified carbon paste electrodes, and the electrochemical behavior of ferri/ferrocyanide was studied via cyclic voltammetry on the modified electrodes. The composite electrodes generated from clays and carbon pastes exhibited a well-defined redox peak of ferri/ferrocyanide and appeared to be more sensitive than bare carbon paste electrodes.