The development of electrochemical analysis is boosted by current technological advancements, and the comprehension of this multi-discipline, highly intersecting, hot field continues to be deepened and reshaped. Evolutionary progress in electrochemical analysis has resulted in a discipline linking fundamental research with applied technology. The following are three of the key emerging trends that are focused on herein.

First, traditional research approached from bulk electrodes is increasingly transitioning into the single-particle or single-molecule realm. Aiding in this endeavor, many enabling, functional materials have sprung up, such as metal-organic framework compounds, polymer conductors, and semiconductor quantum dots. Furthermore, complex, multi-phase electrochemical interfaces with great heterogeneity are studied, leading to expanded and novel systems for electrochemical analysis.

A second key trend is that in order to decode the properties of these intricate electrochemical systems with associated mechanisms, many in-situ spectroscopic and optical techniques with high spatiotemporal resolution have been introduced. The transient intermediate states and kinetic processes of electrochemical reactions can thus be captured using these highly sensitive approaches for discerning intrinsic mechanisms of electrochemical events.

Finally, digital and computational methods, including artificial intelligence, have penetrated into this field. Deep learning and digital analog technology provide a platform to handle information-rich data with explosive growth, and computationally enhance the quality of output results. Furthermore, three-dimensional (3D) printing offers an intelligent and autonomous strategy to design and optimize the structure and function of electrodes and electrochemical cells.

This topical collection entitled “Emerging Trends in Electrochemical Analysis” has 14 articles that include 9 Research Papers, 3 Critical Reviews, and 2 Papers in Forefront. The three Critical Reviews systematically overview cutting-edge advances in electrochemical analysis and propose the opportunities and challenges in this highly active field for further rejuvenation. These Critical Reviews cover topics of electrochemical microfluidic sensing platforms for biosecurity analysis, 3D-printed electrodes and cells for sensing applications, and microbial fuel cell-based self-powered biosensors through anode/cathode sensing modes. One Paper in Forefront showcases the specific recognition of hypochlorite ions by electrochemiluminescence resonance energy transfer imaging, both in vitro and in cells; this ratiometric sensing platform provides prospective applications in clinical diagnosis and environmental monitoring. The other Paper in Forefront describes an electrochemical biosensor for determining superoxide release in cells through a MXene catalyst. The nine Research Papers in this collection describe various novel strategies for identification, characterization, and quantification in electrochemical analysis, including optimization of new functional electrochemical materials and design of novel electrochemical methodologies.

We sincerely appreciate all the authors for contributing their excellent work and the reviewers for critically assessing and improving the quality of the publications in this special Topical Collection on “Emerging Trends in Electrochemical Analysis” in Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. We are honored to work with the editorial team to organize this Topical Collection; we are grateful for their professional guidance, particularly in identifying high-quality works for this collection. It is our belief that the latest advances in electrochemical analysis are nicely reflected by the diversity of articles featured herein.