Square wave voltammetry on boron-doped diamond electrodes for analytical determinations

The use of square wave voltammetry in conjunction with a boron-doped diamond electrode for the analytical determination of pentachlorophenol. is described. After optimization of the experimental conditions, that model molecule was analyzed in pure and natural waters using a Britton-Robinson buffer (pH = 5.5) as the supporting electrolyte. Oxidation occurs at 0.80 V vs. Ag/AgCl in a two-electron process controlled by adsorption of the species. The detection limits obtained were 5.5 in pure water and 15.5 mug l(-1) for polluted water taken from a local creek. The combination of square wave voltammetry and diamond electrodes is an interesting and desirable alternative for analytical determinations. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.