Preface

*Frontiers in Voltammetry* focuses principally on the different applications of various modern voltammetric techniques. The five chapters are all written in simple easy-to-understand language.

Chapter 1 mainly discusses the successful use of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to determine the molecular weight of compounds. The authors discuss the advantages of this technique over such conventional ones as Ostwald and Walker's method. Generally, the measurement of the vapor pressure of pure solvents in solutions is difficult and lengthy in Ostwald and Walker's method, while EIS is a simple, robust, accurate and non-destructive method of determining the molecular weight of polymers and proteins soluble in protic solvents.

Chapter 2 reports the use of carbon dot and chitosan nanocomposite-based sensors to detect copper ions using EIS. Prepared carbon dots and the modified glassy carbon electrode are characterized by transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray diffraction, and UV-visible spectroscopy. From their discussion of the stability, selectivity, specificity, sensitivity, dynamic range, and detection limits, the authors conclude that fabricated electrodes are economic, simple, and highly sensitive, and give better current response during copper ion detection.

Chapter 3 considers how the many applications of electrochemical sensors could enhance the sensitivity, selectivity, robustness, accuracy, and anti-fouling properties of the electrodes in various fields including healthcare, biomedical, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. These types of electrochemical sensors are much sought after to meet global demand in various sectors [1–11]. Nanomaterials are a popular choice as a modifier of electrode sensors because of their possible immobilization of molecules, catalysis in electrosynthesis, facilitation of electron transfer between electrodes and biomolecules, and labeling of biomolecules.

Chapter 4, written by the editors, discusses the use of various electrochemical sensors to detect toxic heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, and lead heavy metals which can cause malfunction of the gastrointestinal, nervous, kidney, and immune systems, birth defects, skin lesions, and cancer. The main source of heavy metal pollution is geological activities or agricultural and industrial wastes (**Figure 1**) [12, 13]. Cyclic voltammetry has proved to be one of the most popular methods of detecting various heavy metals using different modified carbon paste electrodes, carbon screen-printed electrodes, and glassy carbon electrodes. The authors also discuss the advantages of cyclic voltammetry over other non voltammetric methods for detecting heavy metals.

The final chapter discusses the importance of developing toxic organic and inorganic sensors for use in a wide variety of fields, including food sensors, drug and pharmaceutical sensors, biosensors, agricultural residue sensors, energy sensors, and forensic and environmental sensors, to avoid environmental health risks. The authors explain that electroanalytical techniques are better than spectrometric or chromatographic techniques in sensing applications. Among the electroanalytical techniques described are linear

**Figure 1.**

*Pictorial representation of heavy metal, their effect on human health, and their mechanism [12].*

sweep voltammetry (LSV), cyclic voltammetry (CV), pulse voltammetry (PV), stripping voltammetry (SV), and chronoamperometry.

### **Dr. Shashanka Rajendrachari**

Assistant Professor, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Bartin University, Bartin, Turkey

### **Kiran Kenchappa Somashekharappa**

Department of Chemistry, Government First Grade College, Shivamogga, Karnataka, India

#### **Sharath Peramenahalli Chikkegouda**

Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering JAIN Deemed to be University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

### **Shamanth Vasanth**

School of Mechanical Engineering, REVA University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
