ABSTRACT
Because large parts of this book are dedicated to electrochemical sensors and electrochemical techniques useful in studying biofilms, an introduction to electrochemistry is included to expose those aspects of the subject that may help in understanding how electrochemical sensors operate and why electrochemical techniques are used in studying biofilms. From our experience in teaching electrochemical sensors to graduate students, we know that it is not uncommon for students to have difficulties in applying the information in the classical texts on electrochemistry to designing electrochemical sensors and using electrochemical techniques. In part, these difficulties are caused by the fact that the terminology in electrochemistry is confusing and that mutually exclusive conventions are still in use. Whenever possible, the instances where the terminology is unclear or confusing are specifically pointed out. It is assumed that the reader is familiar with basic inorganic chemistry.
