Abstract: This paper serves as a practical guide to help the readers select electrochemical instruments with a focus on potentiostats / galvanostats. It is dedicated to professionals in industry, students and researchers from various fields. We provide an overview of the main potentiostats / galvanostats and related electrochemical instruments currently available on the market and the main suppliers worldwide. For each device, we summarize its technical specifications including current and potential ranges as well as the methods the instrument is able to support. We also discuss the limitations of each instrument in order to provide the readers with a clear and comprehensive understanding. Finally, the paper aims to help the readers in selecting the most suitable instrument for their needs while considering performance and budget.

Abstract: Water pollution is one of the most critical societal, environmental challenges and remains a persisting problem worldwide. The origin of this pollution is diverse while organic matter occupies a significant portion originating from different sources. This creates major environmental and health risks, requiring reliable and sensitive analytical tools for effective monitoring. The permanganate index stands as a conventional assessment method for organic pollution, but it demonstrates compound non-specificity toward compounds and limited sensitivity to various contaminant structures. This research introduces cyclic voltammetry as a standalone electrochemical method which provides sensitive detection and characterization of organic oxidizing compounds. Six organic compounds including gallic acid, phenol, oxalic acid, ascorbic acid, salicylic acid and p-benzoquinone were used as model compounds and studied in aqueous media. These compounds were analyzed individually, in single-compound mode, to characterize its redox behavior and to identify the voltammetric peaks. Subsequently, a multi-compound analysis was studied to check for the validity of the concept in a more complex matrix. Notably, a strong linear correlation was observed between the measured charge and the theoretical permanganate index, highlighting the quantitative reliability of the electrochemical method. Comparing the obtained results with the permanganate index method confirmed the superiority of cyclic voltammetry in terms of response time and detection capability. The outcomes demonstrate that cyclic voltammetry functions as a robust alternative to the classical chemical oxidation method for environmental water assessment.

Abstract: This work provides an integrated experimental and computational assessment of the cationic surfactant Quaternium-22 (Q-22) as a potentially eco-compatible corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel (CS) in 1 M hydrochloric acid. Gravimetric analysis and electrochemical techniques: electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) were employed over a 20–50 °C temperature range. Q-22 exhibited mixed-type inhibition behavior, with efficiency rising to 97% at an optimal concentration of 277 μmol L⁻¹. Performance was concentration-dependent but diminished with increasing temperature, indicating partial inhibitor desorption at elevated temperatures. Thermodynamic evaluation confirmed a spontaneous adsorption process aligned with the Langmuir isotherm, involving a mixed physisorption and chemisorption mechanism. Surface characterization via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle (CA) measurement, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) verified the formation of a coherent, hydrophobic inhibitor layer that substantially reduced surface roughness and corrosion damage. Theoretical validation using density functional theory (DFT), natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations revealed strong adsorption energetics and favorable electronic properties consistent with the inhibitor’s high experimental efficacy. The collective findings establish Q-22 as a potent, eco-compatible corrosion inhibitor for CS in acidic environments, operating through a robust adsorptive film-forming mechanism.

Abstract: CdSe-coated electrodes, formed by electrodeposition of CdSe barrier layers on metallic Ti or porous TiO2 substrates were characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in a (photo)cell with aqueous redox electrolytes based on the sulfide/polysulfide and ferro/ferricyanide couples. Common to the metallic and oxide substrate electrodes, the shape and features of Mott–Schottky plots were found to be influenced by the electrode material properties, the electrolyte contact, and measurement conditions (illumination, frequency, potential-scan speed). The information obtained from capacitance measurements are evaluated on the basis of the ideal Schottky-diode model and photocurrent voltammetry data. The rationale behind the observed non-idealities is inquired, and peculiarities of the measuring procedure connected to the non-stationary character of the interface are discussed.

Abstract: Biomarkers are objective medical signals and can facilitate the diagnosis and monitoring of a multitude of diseases, including those whose symptomatology is largely subjective.Electrochemical biosensors offer an ideal platform for the application of emerging knowledge resulting from biomarker research. They combine the sensitivity of electrochemical detection techniques with the specificity of a biochemical reaction.In this review article, an introductory reference was made to the usefulness of biomarkers and the importance of their validation, to the problems encountered in the diagnosis of diseases, as well as to the structural characteristics and role of biosensors.ubsequently, applications of electrochemical biosensors for the determination of biomarkers from recent literature were presented, which were classified based on the biological mechanism of recognition of the sensor into enzymatic, immunochemical, DNA, other (biomimetic) and multipotent.

Abstract: The development of stable electrocatalysts with ultralow noble metal loading is a paramount challenge for sustainable electrochemical technologies. This work reports a disruptive one-pot synthesis strategy for the preparation of Pd-based nanocomposites at the nanogram-scale, utilizing the tunable redox properties of electrogenerated hydrophilic carbons (EHC). We demonstrate that EHC generated in tartaric buffer (EHC@T) acts as a multi-functional platform, serving simultaneously as a conductive support and reducing agent. Crucially, the integration of a second component, EHC generated in phosphate buffer (EHC@P), provides an architectural synergy: beyond its oxygen-storing capacity, EHC@P is shown to be indispensable for the chemical and electrochemical stabilization of the ultralow Pd loadings The resulting Pd–EHC@T,P nanocomposite was tested for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity, showing a unique 'oxygen-memory' effect: the persistence of significant reduction current even in deoxygenated media. These findings open a new pathway for developing cost-effective, sustainable nanocatalysts and enables the design of electrochemical applications previously considered unfeasible.

Abstract: The acquisition of liquid energy sources and basic chemicals from washing water via Kolbe electrolysis is of great significance for achieving the goal of carbon-neutrality. However, the oleophilic products tend to adhere to Platinum (Pt) electrode, which results in a shortened working life of the Kolbe electrolysis. To address these issues, a novel method for endowing carbon fiber paper electrodes with underwater superoleophobic properties through simple electrodeposition is reported herein. The underwater superoleophobic electrodes improve the efficiency of the Kolbe electrolysis reaction, as oleophilic products can be easily removed from the electrode surface, thereby exposing more active reaction sites. Importantly, the underwater superoleophobic electrodes have fully demonstrated their advantages of excellent electrochemical performance, stability and durability. This work provides a novel approach for the design of high-performance electrodes in organic electro-catalysis.

Abstract: Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs), for their high energy density, are considered key drivers in the transition of our society toward a sustainable energy future. In parallel with the exponential growth of the LIB market, a new regulatory framework that involves the implementation of a Battery Passport (BP) has been launched. This review aims to provide the context in which the BP is being implemented by discussing the reliance of LIBs on critical raw materials, as well as the related economic and regulatory aspects of the BP system. The BP is presented as a strategic tool for data tracking and transparency and for promoting sustainability across the LIB supply chain. We present ongoing BP initiatives and pilot projects and discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with this tool, which plays an important role in enabling a circular LIB economy in Europe.

Abstract: In the present research work, the corrosion behaviour of pure Al in methyl esters with different degree of unsaturation and chain length, present in biodiesel, has been investigated by using electrochemical techniques. Evaluated methyl esters included methyl acrylate (C4H6O2) and methyl linoleate (C19H34O2) which were added to methyl propionate, (C4H8O2) and methyl oleate (C19H36O2 ) respectively. Electrochemical techniques involved electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and electrochemical noise, and were supplemented by detailed studies of scanning electronic microscopy. Results have shown that the corrosion rate and the susceptibility to localized type of corrosion such as pitting increased with an increase in the number of unsaturations and in the chain length. Corrosion process was under charge transfer and was not affected neither by an increase in the number of unsaturations nor in the chain length. The charge transfer resistance value decreased by an increase in the number of unsaturations nor in the chain length.

Abstract:

Efficient and low-cost electrocatalysts play a crucial role in hydrogen production through electrolysis of water. Molybdenum (Mo) carbide with a similar electronic structure to Pt was selected, both α-MoC_1−x and α-MoC_1−x/β-Mo₂C electrocatalysts were successfully fabricated for electrochemical hydrogen evolution. A continuous optimization of the hydrothermal and carbonization conditions was carried out for the preparation of α-MoC_1−x. The biphasic molybdenum carbide catalysts were further achieved via vanadium doping with a phase transition of molybdenum carbide from α to β, which increases the specific surface area of the electrocatalyst. It was found that the V-Mo_xC catalyst obtained at a Mo/V molar ratio of 100:5 exhibited the best hydrogen production performance, with a β to α phase ratio of 0.827. The overpotential of V-Mo_xC at η₁₀ decreased to 99 mV, and the Tafel slope reached 65.1 mV dec⁻¹, indicating a significant improvement in performance compared to undoped samples. Excellent stability was obtained of the as-prepared electrocatalyst for water splitting over 100 h at a current density of 10 mA cm⁻².

Abstract: The corrosion behavior and passive-film stability of a β-TiZrNbTa (β-TZNT) alloy were thoroughly examined in artificial seawater (ASW), with a focus on the effects of pH, temperature, immersion time, fluoride ion concentration, and potential scan rate. In addi-tion to electrochemical methods such as open-circuit potential (OCP), potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning elec-tron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used for surface characteriza-tion. The establishment of a stable and efficient passive layer enriched with Zr-, Nb-, and Ta-oxides was responsible for the β-TZNT alloy's superior corrosion resistance in fluo-ride-free ASW when compared to commercially pure titanium. Reduced passive-film re-sistance resulted from corrosion kinetics being greatly accelerated by decreasing the pH and increasing the temperature. Due to the chemical dissolution of TiO₂ through soluble fluoride complexes, the presence of fluoride ions significantly reduced passivity and in-creased corrosion current densities by more than an order of magnitude. A bilayer pas-sive structure with a compact inner barrier layer and a porous outer layer was identified by EIS analysis. The integrity of this structure gradually decreased as the fluoride con-centration and acidity increased. Over time, passive film degradation predominated in fluoride-free seawater, whereas prolonged immersion encouraged partial re-passivation in fluoride-containing media. Overall, the findings highlight the potential and constraints of β-TZNT alloy for advanced marine and offshore applications by offering new mecha-nistic insights into the synergistic effects of fluoride ions and environmental parameters on corrosion performance.

Abstract: It has long been recognized that the oxygen reduction reaction occurs more readily on Pt(111) surfaces that include steps, both (111) and (100), than on near-perfect Pt(111). Theoretical models were developed involving the water structure in the electric double layer and its interactions with adsorbed OH, with the actual O₂ reduction occurring on the (111) terraces adjacent to the steps. However, the present density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirms that O₂ adsorbs strongly at the steps and can undergo dissociation aided by adjacent water molecules to produce adsorbed OH. OH produced at the steps can move to the (111) terraces, where it can be more readily reduced to H₂O and desorbed. This model avoids the scaling relation, which predicts that all oxygen-containing reactants and intermediates are proportional to each other on any given surface. Efforts to develop new O₂ reduction catalysts have been hampered by this assumption, which supposes that the reaction rate can be increased by decreasing OH adsorption strength, even though decreased OH adsorption strength is accompanied by decreased O₂ adsorption strength. This proposed model can explain the experimental results on stepped surfaces and may also be important for the development of Pt nanoparticle catalysts.

Abstract: Lycium barbarum L. is widely used medicinal and edible Chinese medicinal materials. However, with consumers' heightened concern for health and food safety, pesticide residues have become one of the major challenges affecting its’ quality and safety. cyhalothrin is a pyrethroid insecticide, and is a typical type of pesticide with excessive pesticide residues in Lycium barbarum L. Rapid detection of pesticide residues is an effective way to ensure the quality and safety of traditional Chinese medicinal materials. In this work, a molecularly imprinted polymer electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor based on AuNPs@Ru-ZIF8 was constructed for cyhalothrin residues rapid detection. The prepared cyhalothrin molecularly imprinted polymer (MIPs) was used as a recognition element and modified onto the surface of GCE by electrochemical polymerization method. Gold nanoparticle (AuNPs) were utilized to promote the excitation of Ru(bpy)32+ and TPrA in the ECL system, which improved the observability of the light signal. The glassy carbon electrode(GCE) modified with the Metal Organic Frameworks ZIF8 was utilized to increase the specific surface area and thus improve the sensitivity of the sensor. In addition, the luminescent reagent Ru(bpy)32+ was introduced into the synthesis process of ZIF8, which caused Ru(bpy)32+ to be tightly bound around it and enhanced the stability of the sensor. Under optimal conditions, the linear detection range of the sensor is 1 × 10-1~1 × 104 nM, with a minimum detection limit (LOD) of 10 pM. The accuracy of the ECL MIPs sensor has been verified through spiked recovery experiments and actual sample testing. This study has opened up a new approach for rapid detection of pesticide residues in traditional medicinal herbs used for both food and medicine.

Abstract: In this study, an electrochemical valorization strategy on liquid byproducts from hazel-nut shell gasification was developed to couple waste remediation with energy-efficient hydrogen production. The aqueous phase, rich in organic compounds, is processed in an anion exchange membrane (AEM) cell, where pure hydrogen evolved at the cathode while organic pollutants are oxidized at the anode. First, the feedstock is thoroughly charac-terized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), identifying a complex matrix of water-soluble aromatic compounds such as phenols, catechols, and other aro-matics compounds, with concentrations reaching up to 2.9 g/kg for catechols. Then, the electro-reforming process is optimized using Nickel oxide-hydroxide (Ni(O)OH) elec-trodes with a loading of 0.75 mg/cm2. This methodology relies on the favorable thermo-dynamics of organic oxidation, which requires a lower onset potential (0.4 V) compared to the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) observed in the alkaline control (0.52 V), and the low overpotential of the Nickel oxide-hydroxide electrode towards the oxidized species. Consequently, the organic load undergoes progressive oxidation into hydrophilic and less bioaccumulating species and carbon dioxide, allowing for the simultaneous genera-tion of pure hydrogen at the cathode at a reduced cell voltage. Elevated stability was observed, with a substantial abatement of organic compounds achieved over 80 hours at a fixed cell voltage of 0.5 V. This represents a step forward in the development of tech-nologies that reduces the energy intensity of hydrogen generation while valorizing bio-mass gasification residues.

Abstract: Nine activated carbons (ACs) with hierarchical micro- and mesoporous textural structures and varied chemical compositions were evaluated as metal-free electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) under alkaline conditions. The base material was a commercial biomass-based carbon chemically activated with H3PO4, which possesses a hierarchical micro- and mesoporous structure. This material was modified by: oxidative treatment with HNO3 to increase the content of acidic oxygenated functional groups (OFGs); and by heat treatment in an inert atmosphere up to 800 °C to remove most of the acidic OFGs. Furthermore, the original and modified ACs were subjected to ammonization up to 400 or 800 °C to incorporate nitrogen. The results showed that there exists a synergistic effect among at least three critical factors that enhance the ORR performance of the materials: a high specific surface area (SSA); a high electrical conductivity (achieved by means of a well-developed carbon basal plane structure); and the presence of functional groups containing heteroatoms, mainly aromatic nitrogens. Notably, the ACs exhibited high tolerance to methanol crossover. Finally, as a proof-of-concept, a selected AC was tested in a single-cell Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC), yielding excellent performance. The results demonstrate the high potential of N-doped ACs as electrocatalysts, inexpensive and versatile materials that can replace costly Pt-based electrodes.

Abstract: Porous NiCo₂O₄ nanomaterials were prepared by using in-situ synthesized polyacrylamide as template, and cobalt nitrate, nickel nitrate and urea as raw materials. XRD and FESEM results show the spinel type NiCo2O4 electrode materials with 3D macroporous/mesoporous structure and an average grain size of about 8.1 nm had been synthesized by calcining the amorphous precursor at 300 °C. The electrochemical results of as-calcined NiCo2O4 showed that the specific capacitance at 10 A g^-1 is equivalent to 88.9% of 1 A g^-1, indicating good rate characteristics. After 3000 cycles, the specific capacity gradually increases from 275.2 F g^-1 to 678.4 F g^-1, and the capacitance retention rate is up to 246.5%, suggesting excellent cycling stability and capacity retention rate.

Abstract: The structural and electrochemical properties of gold nanoparticles biosynthesized from Rhus coriaria L. (Rc@AuNPs) were comprehensively investigated and characterized. R. co-riaria (sumac) served as a natural gold reducing and capping agent due to its rich poly-phenolic and phytochemical composition, enabling a sustainable, low-cost, and environ-mentally friendly synthesis of Rc@AuNPs. The electrochemical behavior of the hybrid material was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Rc@AuNPs exhibited specific capacitances of 129.48 F/g, 156.32 F/g, and 280.37 F/g in H₂SO₄, Na₂SO₄, and KOH electro-lytes, respectively, indicating strong potential for supercapacitor and energy-storage ap-plications. GCD analysis further showed Csp values of 107.69 F/g (H₂SO₄), 133.23 F/g (Na₂SO₄), and 348.34 F/g (KOH), confirming the highest charge-storage performance in basic media. EIS measurements supported these results, yielding ESR values of 67.96 Ω in H₂SO₄, 64.42 Ω in Na₂SO₄, and a notably lower 24.43 Ω in KOH, consistent with its higher ionic conductivity and more efficient charge transfer. Overall, the superior Csp and low ESR observed in KOH demonstrate the excellent capacitive behavior of Rc@AuNPs. These biosynthesized gold nanoparticles represent a promising and sustainable electrode mate-rial for high-performance energy-storage technologies.

Abstract: We present a methodology that enhances the analytical performance of organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) by continuously cycling the devices through gate-potential sweeps during sensing experiments. This continuous cycling method (CCM) enables real-time acquisition of full transfer curves, allowing simultaneous monitoring of multiple characteristic parameters. We show that the simultaneous temporal evolution of several OECT response parameters (VTH, VG,gmax, and gmax) provides highly sensitive descriptors for detecting pH changes and macromolecule adsorption on OECTs based on PANI and PEDOT channels. Moreover, the method allows reconstruction of IDS–time profiles at any selected gate potential, enabling the identification of optimal VG values for maximizing sensitivity. This represents a substantial improvement over traditional measurements at fixed VG, which may suffer from reduced sensitivity and parasitic reactions associated with gate polarization. Moreover, the expanded set of parameters obtained with the CCM provides deeper insight into the physicochemical processes occurring at both gate and channel electrodes. We demonstrate its applicability to monitoring polyelectrolyte and enzyme adsorption as well as detecting urea and glucose through enzyme-mediated reactions. Owing to its versatility and the richness of the information it provides, the CCM constitutes a significant advance for the development and optimization of OECT-based sensing platforms.

Abstract: The synthesis of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) a benchmark conducting polymer frequently researched for energy storage, conventionally relies on corrosive and toxic reagents leading to significant hazardous waste, conflicting with the principles of green and sustainable chemistry. This report introduces a fully photochemical, metal-free, and sustainable method that employs a single organic photoinitiator, phenacyl bromide (PAB), to achieve the in-situ polymerization of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) and sodium 4-styrenesulfonate (NaSS) monomers. The reaction occurs at room temperature in a benign ethanol/water solvent system. A major environmental advantage is the elimination of hazardous metal waste, replaced instead by acetophenone, a non-toxic byproduct readily removed via simple precipitation. Structural analysis confirmed the formation of the doped polymer with a PEDOT:PSS molar ratio of approximately 1:3, consistent with both Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) bulk and surface measurements, respectively. As a proof-of-concept for its application in energy storage, the resulting PEDOT:PSS/Activated Carbon composite was fabricated into a symmetric supercapacitor device demonstrating an exceptional operational durability, retaining 97% of its initial capacitance after 2000 charge–discharge cycles. Moreover, this light-driven synthesis can enable spatiotemporal control, opening new pathways for sustainable advanced manufacturing, such as 3D printing of PEDOT:PSS, in line with SDG 9 goals.

Abstract: Bipolar Polymer Membranes (BPMs) enable the creation of large, stable pH gradients by drivingwater dissociation (WD) at the cation/anion junction under reverse bias, a process central to electrodialysis, CO₂ capture, and emerging acid–alkaline water electrolysis. Yet, despite decades of study, the mechanism by which intense interfacial electric fields accelerate WD remains debated and is often modeled with ad hoc assumptions. Here, we outline key limitations of existing models of field-enhanced WD in BPMs and we present a power-dissipation model and its formalism that address them. In this new framework, we emphasize that minority ions from water autoprotolysis act as carriers that continuously dissipate field-supplied power in the hydrated nanometric junction. This dissipative input raises the local probability of heterolytic O–H bond cleavage and leads analytically to the dissociation rate’s quadratic dependence on the field. Without adjustable parameters, the model reproduces the required orders of magnitude for the enhancement ratio k_d(E)/k_d(0), where k_d(E) is the field-enhanced water-dissociation rate constant and k_d(0) its zero-field value, across typical BPM fields and yields a quadratic current–voltage junction law. A proof-of-principle measurement on a commercial Fumasep® FBM confirms the quadratic current–voltage​ trend, supporting a power dissipation field-driven WD and providing a concise, falsifiable baseline for future studies.