Enhanced Signal-to-Background Ratios in Voltammetric Measurements Made at Diamond Thin-Film Electrochemical Interfaces

Abstract

Large signal-to-background (S/B) ratios for the Fe(CN)₆^3-/4- and IrCl₆^2-/3- redox couples in KCl have been observed in cyclic voltammetric measurements made at a conductive diamond thin-film electrode without any conventional surface pretreatment. The S/B ratios were a factor of ∼16 and 8 larger at diamond than at freshly polished glassy carbon (GC) for Fe(CN)₆^3-/4- and IrCl₆^2-/3-, respectively. The polycrystalline diamond film, grown on a p-Si(100) substrate, possessed significant cubic {100} faceting, as evidenced by AFM images, and was of high quality, as indicated by Raman spectroscopy. The high degree of electrochemical activity without surface pretreatment, the enhanced S/B ratios, and the excellent response stability demonstrate that diamond might be an attractive new electrode material for electroanalysis.