We are delighted to introduce volume 13 of Specialist Periodical Reports in Electrochemistry with a new editorial team (Banks, Mortimer and McIntosh) which presents comprehensive and critical reviews in all aspects of the field, with contributions from across the globe, providing the reader with an informed digest of the most important research currently carried out in the field. Volume 13 returns to its roots and provides a range of topics written by leading experts researching at the forefront of electrochemistry. In the first Chapter, Honeychurch provides an up-to-date overview of developments of liquid chromatography dual electrode detection demonstrating the current range of applications this technique has been applied and it is noted that it is more sensitive and selective other that of mass spectroscopy. Ribeiro and Mortimer review the recent progress of electrochromic and fluorescent properties of conjugated conducting polymers considering their preparation onto electrode surfaces through to applications as a sensors. Iniesta and co-workers explore the use of screen-printed electrochemical platforms for biosensing applications highlighting that these versatile electrodes can be modified and adapted for a plethora of sensing fields. Fatibello–Filho and colleagues consider the preparation of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes highlighting that their electrochemical performance is dependent upon various structural factors of the nanotubes and their orientation and design. Minteer and co-workers overview the fundamental of direct and mediated bioelectrocatalysis as well as pertinent applications which spans environmental, food and security through to self-powered sensors and biofuel cells. Last, Katz provides a fascinating overview of biocatalytic electrodes and biofuel cells and considers implantable biofuel cells operating in vivo which can provide prower for operating biomedical devices, for example.
During the development of this volume, our co-editor, Roger Mortimer unexpectedly passed away.
Roger Mortimer graduated from Imperial College London in 1977. Thereafter, he remained at Imperial until 1980, when he completed a PhD on heterogeneous catalysis under the supervision of Dr Michael Spiro. He developed his lifelong interest in the surface modification of electrode surfaces during a postdoctoral fellowship with Professor Fred C Anson at California Institute of Technology in 1981. His scientific horizons were then further broadened at the University of Exeter, where he collaborated with Dr David R Rosseinsky. At Exeter, he carried out important studies on the phenomenon of electrochromism in thin films of mixed-valence metal coordination complexes, and then extended the concept to conducting polymers. Lecturing positions soon followed, firstly at Anglia Ruskin University (1984/87), secondly at Sheffield Hallam University (1987/89). Finally, he joined Loughborough University in 1989. He was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 1999, to Reader in 2001, and then to a Personal Chair in Physical Chemistry in 2006. Roger was a strong academic citizen and was an active member of the Midlands Electrochemistry Group, and actively involved in the Royal Society of Chemistry through membership of a number of committees. His influence will continue through his many publications and the numerous students who have benefited from his teaching and research. Roger was also a keen runner and was part of Barrow Runners and regularly competed over 10K and half-marathon distances and particularly favoured trail running. Roger was a key member of Barrow Runners social scene and was awarded club personality of the year 2014.
Roger died unexpectedly on 2nd May 2015, age 59. We dedicate this volume to Roger; the electrochemical community will sorely miss him.
