Structural and electrochemical properties of multifunctional silica/lignin materials

Synthesis and characterisation of silica/lignin materials is described. Silica was synthesised by the modified Stöber method and its surface was functionalised with aminosilane. The organic matrix was the activated Kraft lignin (KL). The materials obtained were subjected to thorough characterisation (physicochemical, dispersive, morphological and electrochemical) by the NIBS, SEM, FT–IR, and XPS methods. Results of the characterisation permitted evaluation of the application possibilities of the products and the choice of the best ones for specific applications. Because of high negative ionic charge the material particles could be effectively deposited on positively polarised glassy carbon electrode by electrophoretic deposition. The silica/lignin modified electrode showed enhanced charge transfer resistance for anionic redox probe (ferrocyanide/ferricyanide couple) and an enhanced capability to the adsorption of silver cations. The latter property could be exploited in anodic striping voltammetry of silver.