What is the reason for the frequent use of heat treatment in screen printed carbon electrodes (SPCE)?

Heat or thermal treatment is mostly used to activate the electrode surface of SPCE under anaerobic or aerobic circumstances using a muffle furnace. Surface pre-treatment enhances the overall electrochemical performance of SPCE.

Note: It is not advised to utilize high temperatures like 400°C for pre-treatment as it peels off the working electrode surface.