Probing Nanoscale Electrochemical Phenomena with Nitrogen-Vacancy Centers inDiamond

Abstract

Nitrogen-vacancy centers in nanodiamonds exhibit photo-stability and biocompatibility that make them promising candidates for versatile biological sensors. In the present work, we study the dependence of NV-nanodiamond fluorescence on the pH of the surrounding ionic aqueous solution. Band-bending effects and modified ion migration rates may be the potential mechanisms underlying the observed pH sensitivity. Our work offers insight into diamond electrochemistry and paves the way toward nanoscale pH imaging. Additionally, the methodologies developed in this work introduce a viable approach for analyzing local electrochemical environments, with potential applications in intra-cellular pH sensing, the design of electrolytic cells, and the development of alternative fuel technologies.