Cyclic voltammetry (CV) is a dynamic electrochemical method for measuring redox events. This summary of recent developments in the use of CV in materials science will be particularly useful for newcomers to the field. Following an introduction to the principles of CV, the current status of investigations of various types of materials are considered: microporous materials, semiconductors, polymer electrode coatings-with a view towards applications in sensors and catalysis-and surfactant films.