Nitrate Sensor with a Wide Detection Range and High Stability Based on a Cu-Modified Boron-Doped Diamond Electrode

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Environmental Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• Nitrate contamination in water poses significant environmental and health risks.
• Accurate and reliable detection methods are crucial for monitoring water quality.
• Boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes offer excellent electrochemical stability and wide potential windows.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a sensitive and stable electrochemical sensor for detecting nitrate in contaminated water.
• To utilize the catalytic properties of copper and the robustness of BDD electrodes.
• To establish a method suitable for on-site and field applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a copper-modified boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode.
• Electrochemical detection of nitrate using cyclic voltammetry and amperometry.
• Optimization of the electrolyte system to enhance performance.
• Evaluation of sensor performance, including linear detection range, detection limit, and stability.

Main Results:

• The Cu-modified BDD electrode demonstrated effective nitrate detection.
• Optimized electrolyte system expanded the linear detection range up to 100 mg/L.
• Achieved a low limit of detection of 0.065 mg/L for nitrate.
• Exhibited high sensor stability with a relative standard deviation of 1.03% over 25 tests.

Conclusions:

• The developed electrochemical sensor is highly effective for detecting nitrate in contaminated water.
• The sensor's wide detection range and excellent stability make it suitable for field deployment.
• This technology offers a promising solution for on-site monitoring of nitrate pollution.