An illustrated review of reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) as an electrode material is presented. Early uses of RVC were largely restricted to small-scale (< 1 cm(3)) electroanalytical studies in research laboratories. RVC properties of a high ratio of surface area to volume and minimal reactivity over a wide range of process conditions, combined with low cost and easy handling, have resulted in a steady diversification of its applications both in research laboratories and in industry. The physical structure of RVC (in terms of pores per linear inch, strut length, strut thickness and area of the trigonal strut) is examined for 10, 30, 60 and 100 ppi (pores per linear inch) grades using scanning electron microscopy. The accurate measurement of these geometrical values presents both theoretical (in terms of definition of trigonal strut area, beginning and end of single strand) and practical problems (large differences in strut length and thickness in individual samples). Data are presented to show the relationships between geometrical properties. Applications include electroanalytical studies and sensors, metal ion removal, synthesis of organics and Fenton's reagent, H2O2 production and batteries/fuel cells. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.