Anodic Stripping Voltammetry of Heavy Metals at Nanocrystalline Boron‐Doped Diamond Electrode

Boron‐doped Diamond (BDD) electrode has become one of the important tools for heavy metal detection. By studying some analytical parameters of DPASV method, like deposition time and potential in different electrolyte concentrations (acetate buffer), the conditions for detecting very low metal ion levels (Zn, Cd, Pb, and Cu) could be chosen. Diluted electrolyte (0.01 M buffer) was one of the factors favoring low detection and quantification limits, but its quantification range is short in comparison to more concentrated media. For ?1.7 V deposition potential, the detection of single metal at ppb levels was reached in 60 s deposition time. Understanding different metal‐metal interactions shows the limits to the simultaneous determination of heavy metals at BDD. Quantification was possible for the simultaneous determination of Zn, Cd and Pb despite the overlapping of Zn and Cd peaks. The performance of the BDD was compared with that of another C‐based solid electrode: the glassy carbon electrode (without mercury plating). A lower base line current, wider potential range, higher sensitivity (3 to 5 times higher than GC) and longevity of the material were noticed for the BDD.