In this article, the decade of electroanalysis with bismuth-based electrodes is reviewed (with 222 refs.). Emphasis is put on the environmentally friendly ("green") character of bismuth electrodes, their versatility and variability in use, as well as the actual classification of the individual types of electrodes, sensors, and detectors that utilize the unique properties of metallic bismuth. Of particular interest is the genesis of the field, when the respective activities and achievements are monitored year by year over the whole period of 2000 -2009, including the circumstances of the introduction of bismuth-coated electrodes into electrochemical stripping analysis. The review highlights all the significant milestones and break-points that had directed the experimental work around the globe, outlining the present days position of this lively, inspiring, and still highly prospective area. Finally, it provides a special insight into electroanalysis with bismuth electrodes through numerous surveys, summaries, and detailed statistical data obtained by analyzing the accessible literature database.

Bismuth coated glassy carbon electrodes have been applied to the square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) of trace concentrations of tin. Optimization of Bismuth Film Electrode (BFE) performance was conducted after initial comparison with the more traditional mercury electrode. Simultaneous deposition of tin and bismuth at À 1.3 V for 2 minutes in a supporting electrolyte of 2.5 M sodium bromide utilizing a square-wave stripping step, allowed analysis of tin at the mg L À1 level. Parameters, such as deposition potential and time, bismuth concentration, square-waveform settings including amplitude, step height and frequency were studied and optimized. The dependence of stripping current on deposition time indicates that using longer deposition time should facilitate sub mg L À1 analysis. Tin was analyzed simultaneously with cadmium and either indium or thallium; Where as lead and copper were not resolved from the stripping peaks of tin and bismuth respectively. Finally, the method was applied to the analysis of tin in fruit juice.

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A sensitive anodic stripping voltammetric procedure at the bismuth film electrode (BiFE) is presented for analysis of Sn(IV) in the presence of Pb(II). For the first time Sn(IV) and Pb(II) signals are resolved at the BiFE allowing quantification of Sn(IV) in the absence and presence of Pb(II) and in simultaneous determination of both trace metals. The optimised oxalic acid -CTAB method produced a detection limit for Sn(IV) of 1.9 mg L À1 (S/N ¼ 3) and generated linear calibration data (minimum R 2 of 0.991) between 25 -250 mg L À1 and 5 -50 mg L À1 with deposition times of 45 s and 120 s respectively. A 25 mg L À1 Sn(IV) signal was clearly resolved in the presence of a 20 fold excess of Pb(II) and the successful determination of tin in the presence of lead was performed in a fruit juice matrix.