A special two-working-electrode system: a summary of recent development in fabrication and application of...

The utilization of two-working-electrode mode of interdigitated array (IDA) electrodes and other two-electrode systems has revolutionized electrochemical detection by enabling the simultaneous and independent detection of two species or reactions. In contrast to conventional two-potential electrodes, such as the rotating ring disk electrodes, IDAs demonstrate analogous yet vastly improved performance, characterized by remarkable collection efficiency, sensitivity, and signal amplification resulted from the 'feedback' effect. In recent decades, the research surrounding IDAs has garnered escalating interest due to their attractive attributes. This review centers its focus on the recent development on the fabrication of IDA electrodes as well as their applications leveraging the unique electrochemical and structural features. In fabrication, two critical breakthroughs are poised for realization: the achievement of reduced dimensions and the diversification of materials. Established fabrication methods for IDA electrodes encompass photolithography, inkjet printing, and direct laser writing, each affording distinct advantages in terms of size and precision. Photolithography enables the creation with finer structures and higher resolution compared to others. Inkjet printing or laser writing provides a simpler, more cost-effective, and straightforward patterning process, albeit with lower resolution. In terms of applications, IDAs have found utility in diverse fields. This review summarizes recent applications based on their fundamental working principles, encompassing redox cycling, resistance modulation, capacitance variations, and more. This specialized tool shows great promise for further development with enhanced properties. It is also important to note that, micron- or sub-micron-sized IDAs generally cannot be reused, as their small structures cannot be polished. Therefore, controlling the cost of IDA fabrication is crucial for promoting their broader application. Additionally, the distinctive electrochemical properties of 'feedback' effect is often underappreciated. The high sensitivity of IDA electrodes, arising from the 'feedback' signal amplification mechanism, holds significant potential for the detection of species with short lifetimes or low concentrations.