Groove electrodes: A new alternative of using carbon pastes in electroanalysis

In this contribution, groove electrodes (GrEs) are presented as a new type of carbon paste electrodes (CPEs). The GrEs are designed as a mountable kit based on plastic prismatic bars (40 × 10 × 2 mm) with horizontal channel for carbon paste filling, metal contact, and additional plastic inserts defining the electrode surface area. Compared to conventional CPEs, construction specifics of GrEs offer simpler preparation and quicker exchange of the carbon paste mixture, whereas small size and planar configuration compete with screen-printed electrodes. Electroanalytical applicability of newly proposed electrodes is demonstrated on selected examples, showing their performance as bismuth film electrode in anodic stripping voltammetry, for preconcentration based on ion-pairing and extraction, or as enzyme-modified biosensor operated under hydrodynamic conditions. Future prospects of GrEs are also discussed and further development of the already existing prototypes outlined.