Carbon Electrodes Fabricated by Low-Temperature Pyrolysis of Ethylene on Nickel

Data from carbon electrodes fabricated by low-temperature, catalytic pyrolysis of ethylene on nickel are presented. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the morphology of electrodes formed by pyrolysis of ethylene on electroplated nickel and on nickel plated by thermal decomposition from an orgahometalllc source. The charge transfer characteristics of these electrodes for catechols suggest that their properties are similar to glassy carbon electrodes. Also, data from carbon microelectrodes formed by this construction process are shown. Construction of carbon electrodes by ethylene pyrolysis on nickel holds the promise to fabricate smaller carbon electrodes than previously possible.