Boron-doped diamond-based sensors: A review

Electrically conductive, boron-doped diamond (BDD) films, prepared by means of chemical vapor deposition, have been studied intensively just over the past ten years as electrode materials for electrochemistry. During this time, it has become apparent that BDD films are in many ways ideal for high-sensitivity analytical measurements of a wide variety of inorganic and organic species, opening the door to a host of sensor applications. The techniques for preparing micro-scale and nano-scale electrodes have also been developed, which will further widen the sensor possibilities. Preparation and characterization techniques, as well as recent developments in specific inorganic and organic determinations, are reviewed.