Porous boron-doped diamond electrode enable ultrasensitive and selective dopamine detection

Dopamine detection through electrochemical sensing technology requires more sensitive and selective electrode materials. Herein, we propose porous boron-doped diamond (PBDD) electrode prepared via thermal catalytic etching followed by electrochemical anodic polarization treatment for removing nickel. Results show that the precise control of sputtering time for nickel deposition is crucial for improving the electrochemical performances. Benefiting from its high boron-doping level and abundant oxygen-containing functional groups ​​on the etched porous surface with predominant (111)-faceted holes, increased electrochemical specific surface area and hydrophilic properties, the optimal 30-PBDD exhibits ultrasensitive detection limit (0.16 μM) and high selectivity, which confirmed by the oxidation peak potential difference (255 mV) and marked EC effect.