ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the growth and characterization of electrically conducting diamond, the basic properties and responsiveness of diamond electrodes, and some of the demonstrated uses of this unique electrode material to date. Diamond can be grown using one of several activation methods including microwave plasma, hot-filament, or combustion flame-assisted, chemical vapor deposition. The most common method is microwave plasma, one reason being the commercial availability of reactors. One important electrochemical technology where diamond electrodes have made a significant impact is in the area of electroanalysis. Platinum (Pt) is the best known electrocatalyst for the oxygen-reduction reaction, and it is widely used in electrochemical-energy conversion devices. Pt particles are generally dispersed onto a high surface area conductive support, such as carbon powder or a porous membrane, in order to obtain high electrocatalytic activity and optimized Pt utilization.
