From cyclic voltammetry to scanning electrochemical microscopy: Modern electroanalytical methods to study organic compounds, materials, and reactions

This review shows some recent developments in the use of electroanalytical methods in the context of organic electrochemistry. Several techniques (cyc lic voltammetry, spectroelectrochemistry, electrochemical quartz microgravi metry, and scanning electrochemical microscopy) for elucidation of properti es and reactivity of organic compounds and materials are discussed. Such te chniques also allow the detailed analysis of electron transfer initiated ch emical reactions. Advantages added by techniques not only recording current -potential-time relationships, but including spectral, mass, and spatial in formation are pointed out. Thus, structures of redox active or electron tra nsfer generated species become accessible, properties of surface bound and deposited molecules can be determined, and lateral resolution for both, ana lysis of the chemical nature of electrode surfaces, and induction of reacti ons on electrodes is provided.