Optical fibers in analytical electrochemistry: Recent developments in probe design and applications

Abstract The integration of optical fibers into electroanalytical instrumentation enables the sensitive detection and quantification of micro- and nanoscopic processes by photoelectrochemistry. This review provides a comprehensive literature overview on the design and fabrication of different types of optical fiber probes for scanning probe techniques, such as scanning electrochemical microscopy and scanning photoelectrochemical microscopy. Optical fiber probes have been classified into single optical electrodes, comprising of disk, ring and lateral surface electrodes, and multi-electrode systems, including optical fiber arrays. Fiber optics technology has influenced probe design and fabrication for scanning probe microscopy techniques, surface characterization of photoactive materials and corrosion films, and moreover bioelectrochemical sensing and imaging of living cells. Underlying principles and the implementation of optical fibers into these applications are discussed in detail and recent developments and future prospects are highlighted.