Voltammetric determination of metal ions beyond mercury electrodes. A review

For a long time mercury electrodes have been the main choice for the analysis of metal ions and some metalloids. However, in the last years, safety and environmental considerations have restricted their use and encouraged the search for alternative materials more environmentally friendly and with more possibilities for in-situ and flow analysis. This research has been reinforced by the popularisation of nanomaterials, biomolecules and screen-printed electrodes, as well as for the new advances in sensor miniaturization and integration of the electrodes in multi-sensor platforms and electronic tongues. The present review critically summarizes and discusses the progress made since 2010 in the development and application of new electrodes for the analysis of metals and metalloids. [Display omitted] •Recent progress, since 2010, in voltammetric analysis of metal ions is reviewed.•Policy against mercury along this period has encouraged the search for alternative materials.•In this search, the popularisation of nanomaterials, biomolecules and screen-printed electrodes plays a key role.•Electrode modification strategies have to face challenges to produce devices as an alternative to atomic spectroscopies.