Publication on low-cost and flexible graphene paper electrodes

Recently, Bojidar Mandjoukov (EACH 2022 alumnus) published the results of his Master’s thesis. The open access publication “Planar, low-cost, flexible, and fully laminated graphene paper pseudo-reference and potassium-selective electrodes” can be read here.

Read what Bojidar has to say about his research and writing:

When I got to Abo Academy, I knew only the basics of electrochemistry. I couldn’t imagine that I would be able to write a thesis that will turn into an article on electrochemistry. But thanks to the great teachers in Abo Academy and especially my supervisor, Tom Lindfors, it actually happened.

I was offered to work on this project by the EACH coordinator for Finland – Johan Bobaka. Developing laminated graphene paper electrodes for potentiometry. I wasn’t entirely sure what it meant, but after a quick talk with Tom Lindfors, everything cleared. My first reaction was “This is so simple that it is brilliant! How come no one has ever done it before?!?” Later, when I started actual work, I understood that it is much more complex problem than it seems.

The work process was fun and exciting. It required combination of analytical chemistry knowledge, crafting skills, problem solving way of thinking, and as my colleagues were joking “You got the only analytical chemistry project that requires you to smash things with a hammer!” (It was needed for perforating the lamination sheets). What I really enjoyed was that my supervisor gave me a lot of creative freedom regarding the approach to the problem, so I wasn’t just a “manufacturing robot” but actually contributed to the Research and Development process.

For the writing of my thesis … It was way less exciting than the experiments, but those are the two sides of the same coin, so it had to be done. The frequent and extensive corrections and recommendations from my supervisor, as well as the all-nighter writing parties with my colleagues, made the process much easier. And once the thesis was done, Tom Lindfors took the initiative and transformed it into a great article, for which I am eternally grateful!

Overall, it was a great experience that helped me learn a lot about electrochemistry, Research and Development process and academic writing. And now, I am very happy to know that new EACH student (Faiza) is continuing the work on that project.