A boron-doped diamond electrode is used for determination of Mn(II) in atmospheric particulate matter by square wave cathodic stripping voltammetry. The analytical curve was linear for Mn(II) concentrations between 5.0 and 37.5 µg L-1, with quantification limit of 3.6 µg L-1. The precision was evaluated by the relative standard deviation, with values between 5.1% and 9.3%. The electrode is free of adsorption, minimizing memory effects. Samples collected in the workplace atmosphere of a foundry had Mn(II) concentrations between 0.4 and 4 µg m-3. No significant differences were observed between the proposed method and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy.

This review presents a brief account concerning the production, characterization and evolution of the knowledge in the area of diamond and boron-doped diamond films. The most important methods used for the growth of these films, such as chemical vapor deposition and high pressure/high temperature systems, as well as the several kinds of reactors which can be employed are reviewed. However, larger emphasis is given to the CVD method. Morphological, structural and electric properties of these films, as well as their role in the performance of voltammetric electrodes for electrochemistry and electroanalytical chemistry are also discussed.

Boron-doped polycrystalline diamond films have been deposited over silicon substrate by hot-filament chemical-vapor-deposition process. A gas mixture of 0,5 vol. % methane and 1 vol. % methanol on hydrogen at a pressure of 50 Torr, have been used. Boric oxide dissolved in methanol have been used as the boron doping source during the diamond growth process. Raman spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) have been performed on the samples. A change of Raman spectra with film doping was observed. The diamond characteristic line at 1333 cm-1 down shifted and its intensity decreased as the film resistivity decreased. On the other hand, a broad peak around 1220 cm-1 appeared and its intensity increased with decreasing film resistivity. No modifications on films morphology have been observed with different boron doping level. The grains were well-faceted with 2 <FONT FACE="Symbol">m</font>m average size