How can Electrode Surface Modification Benefit Electroanalysis?

This Perspective critically evaluates the ways in which electrode surface modification affects the effectiveness of electroanalytical techniques. The use of various voltammetric techniques, the role of modification in increasing selectivity, the manipulation of electron transfer kinetics, as well as the impact of increased surface area are discussed. It is critical that the motivations and physical implications of altering the electrode surface are properly understood before intricate, impractical modifications are employed that do not significantly improve the performance of the sensor.