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Determination of methiocarb pesticide using differential pulse voltammetry with a boron-doped diamond electrode

MetadataDetails
Publication Date2015-01-01
JournalAnalytical Methods
AuthorsJaromĂ­ra ChĂœlkovĂĄ, MarkĂ©ta TomĂĄĆĄkovĂĄ, Ivan Ć vancara, Lenka JanĂ­kovĂĄ, RenĂĄta Ć eleĆĄovskĂĄ
InstitutionsUniversity of Pardubice
Citations26
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6CCVD Technical Analysis: High-Performance Methiocarb Detection via Boron-Doped Diamond Electrodes (BDDE)

Section titled “6CCVD Technical Analysis: High-Performance Methiocarb Detection via Boron-Doped Diamond Electrodes (BDDE)”

This technical documentation analyzes the successful application of Boron-Doped Diamond Electrodes (BDDE) in the electrochemical determination of methiocarb (MTC) pesticide using Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV). The findings reinforce the superiority of MPCVD Boron-Doped Diamond for advanced environmental sensing applications requiring extreme potential stability.

  • Core Achievement: Simple, rapid, and sensitive voltammetric determination of the carbamate pesticide methiocarb (MTC).
  • Material Advantage: The high chemical stability and wide potential window of the BDDE allowed for the direct oxidation of MTC at an extremely positive potential (+1.4 V vs. Ag/AgCl), where traditional carbon electrodes (GCE) typically fail due to high background currents.
  • High Sensitivity: Optimized conditions yielded a low Limit of Detection (LOD) of 0.15 ”g mL-1 MTC.
  • Robust Methodology: The BDDE demonstrated excellent performance stability, requiring no special regeneration or mechanical cleaning between serial analyses.
  • Practical Application: The method was successfully applied to monitor the controlled, time-dependent dissolution of MTC from a commercial formulation (MesurolÂź) in a natural aquatic system (pond water).
  • Optimized Medium: The optimal supporting electrolyte was determined to be 0.1 mol L-1 H2SO4 mixed with 10% (v/v) methanol (MeOH), balancing linearity range and signal-to-noise ratio.

The following parameters highlight the material and performance metrics achieved using the Boron-Doped Diamond Electrode:

ParameterValueUnitContext / Condition
Electrode TypeBoron-Doped Diamond (BDDE)N/AWorking Electrode, Thin Film CVD
Boron Doping Level1000ppmAs declared by manufacturer
Electrode Resistivity0.075Ω cmKey metric for electrochemical performance
Electrode Diameter3mmInner diameter of disc configuration
Detection Potential (Ep)+1.4VHighly positive oxidation potential (vs. Ag/AgCl)
Measurement ModeDifferential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV)N/AChosen for high sensitivity
Initial Potential (Ein)+0.4VDPV Instrumental Setting (Table 1)
Final Potential (Efin)+1.7VDPV Instrumental Setting (Table 1)
Scan Rate (v)40mV s-1DPV Instrumental Setting (Table 1)
Pulse Amplitude30mVDPV Instrumental Setting (Table 1)
Limit of Detection (LOD)0.15”g mL-1Achieved using 10% MeOH/H2SO4 medium
Linear Range (Cmax)55”g mL-1Optimized concentration range (10% MeOH)

The robust and repeatable analytical procedure for MTC detection leveraged the unique electrochemistry of the BDDE in combination with optimized solution parameters:

  1. Electrode System Configuration: A three-electrode cell was used, comprising the BDDE working electrode (3 mm Ø), an Ag|AgCl|3 M KCl reference electrode, and a Pt-plate (3 x 5 mm) counter electrode.
  2. BDDE Fabrication: The working electrode consisted of a BDD film lithographically deposited onto a Silicon (Si) wafer substrate, cut into a disc shape.
  3. Supporting Electrolyte Optimization: Six different solutions across a wide pH range (H2SO4, Chloroacetate, Acetate, Citrate, Phosphate, NaOH) were tested.
  4. Optimal Medium Selection: The highest linearity range and acceptable sensitivity were achieved using the highly acidic 0.1 mol L-1 H2SO4.
  5. Organic Solvent Addition: Methanol (MeOH) content was varied (0% to 40% v/v). A 10% (v/v) MeOH inclusion was selected as optimal for improving the signal-to-noise ratio and extending the linearity range (Cmax = 55 ”g mL-1).
  6. Voltammetric Measurement: Determination was performed via Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV) using direct, non-accumulative measurement, scanning anodically from Ein +0.4 V to Efin +1.7 V.
  7. Quantification: MTC concentration was quantified using the standard addition method with multiple aliquots, confirming recovery rates of 93-106%.

This research validates the critical role of high-quality Boron-Doped Diamond (BDD) materials in demanding electroanalytical applications, specifically leveraging the wide anodic potential window for determination of highly electropositive analytes like carbamates. 6CCVD is uniquely positioned to supply the foundational material required for replicating or advancing this research.

To replicate or extend this pesticide sensing research, 6CCVD recommends the following high-performance BDD materials:

6CCVD Material SpecificationRelevance to Research
Heavy Boron-Doped Diamond (BDD) WafersUsed for high electrical conductivity (matching or exceeding the 0.075 Ω cm resistivity required). Available in various thicknesses (0.1”m - 500”m) suitable for thin-film deposition onto customer-provided substrates (e.g., Si).
Custom Doping Levels6CCVD offers precise control over boron incorporation, guaranteeing doping levels (e.g., 1000 ppm specified in paper) necessary to optimize the electrode conductivity and potential window width.
Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD) SubstratesFor applications requiring mechanical robustness exceeding standard Si-wafer compatibility, 6CCVD offers thick, inch-size PCD substrates with low surface roughness (Ra < 5nm).

The success of the BDDE in this study relies on precise dimensions and integration capabilities, which are 6CCVD core competencies:

  • Custom Dimensions and Shapes: While the paper utilized a 3 mm disc, 6CCVD provides custom laser cutting and shaping services to produce BDDE chips of any dimension (up to 125 mm wafers) needed for multi-electrode arrays, microfluidic integration, or custom probes.
  • Integrated Metalization Services: For simplified connection to electrochemical analyzers, 6CCVD offers in-house metalization. We can deposit electrode contact pads or interconnects using materials such as Ti/Pt/Au or Pt/Pd to ensure low-resistance ohmic contact with the BDD film, crucial for stable field deployment.
  • Polishing Capabilities: Our proprietary polishing techniques ensure ultra-smooth surfaces (Ra < 5nm for PCD), minimizing surface defects that could contribute to background current or instability during sensitive DPV measurements.

The BDDE’s performance advantage (stability, wide potential window) makes it ideal for challenging environmental and industrial monitoring tasks. 6CCVD’s in-house PhD team provides specialized engineering support:

  • Environmental Sensor Development: Our experts can assist researchers and engineers in selecting optimal BDD parameters (doping concentration, thickness, and substrate type) for similar electrochemical projects involving trace pollutant detection (e.g., heavy metals, other pesticides, or pharmaceuticals).
  • Process Scaling: We offer consultation on scaling up lab-proven BDD methodologies to industrial or commercial monitoring systems, ensuring material consistency and performance across high volumes.

For custom specifications or material consultation, visit 6ccvd.com or contact our engineering team directly.

View Original Abstract

In this article, a simple and rapid method is described for voltammetric determination of methiocarb (MTC, a pesticide of the carbamate type).

  1. 1991 - Handbook of pesticide toxicology (Classes of pesticides)