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

## TL;DR

A new nitrate sensor using a copper-modified diamond electrode can detect a wide range of nitrate concentrations in water with high accuracy and stability.

## Contribution

A Cu-modified BDD electrode is developed for nitrate detection with an expanded linear range and improved stability.

## Key findings

- The sensor detects nitrate from 0.065 mg/L to 100 mg/L with a low detection limit.
- The sensor's current response showed a relative standard deviation of 1.03% over 25 tests.
- The sensor is suitable for field applications due to its wide detection range and stability.

## Abstract

This paper describes an electrochemical sensor based on a Cu-modified boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode for the detection of nitrate-contaminated water. The sensor utilizes the catalytic effect of copper on nitrate and the stability of the BDD electrode. By optimizing the electrolyte system, the linear detection range was expanded, allowing the sensor to detect highly concentrated nitrate samples up to 100 mg/L with a low detection limit of 0.065 mg/L. Additionally, the stability of the sensor was improved. The relative standard deviation of the current responses during 25 consecutive tests was only 1.03%. The wide detection range and high stability of the sensor makes it suitable for field applications and the on-site monitoring of nitrate-contaminated waters.