A phenanthroline alcohol ligand is covalently attached to a graphite felt electrode by an electrochemical process, giving rise to the immobilization of the [Ru(tpy)(phen)(OH2)](2+) complex. Comparison with previous results obtained with a [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(OH2)](2+)-modified electrode is made. First, volume concentrations of immobilized [Ru(tpy)(phen)(OH2)](2+) in the felt calculated from cyclic voltammetry analysis are higher. Second, the electrocatalytic oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols is achieved with higher current efficiencies and with less significant overoxidation to the carboxylic acids. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.