Surface Enhanced Electrochemiluminescence of Ru(bpy)32+

Abstract

Surface enhanced spectroscopy such as surface enhanced Raman spectrum (SERS) and surface enhanced fluorescence have been investigated extensively in the past two decades. Herein, we present experimental evidence to demonstrate the existence of a new surface enhanced spectroscopy, namely, surface enhanced electrochemiluminescence (SEECL). Our investigation indicates that the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) response of the Ru(bpy)32+-tri-n-propylamine (TPrA) system could be significantly enhanced when the working electrode is modified with gold nanoparticle-SiO2 core-shell nanocomposites (AuNP@SiO2). It is worth noting that comparing with a working electrode modified with pure SiO2 nanoparticles, the electrochemical responses of the two electrodes were quite similar, but the ECL signal of the AuNP@SiO2 modified electrode was ~5 times higher than that of the SiO2 nanoparticles modified electrode. Thus we infer that the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of the AuNPs could be a major contribution to the ECL enhancement. Our investigations also demonstrate that the ECL enhancement is closely related to the thickness of the SiO2 layer. As much as 10 times ECL enhancement (comparing with the ECL intensity of bare electrode) is observed under the optimal conditions. The possible mechanism of the SEECL phenomenon is also discussed.

Nanomaterials in Electrochemiluminescence Sensors

“…The biotinylated DEVD‐peptide, which can be recognized by caspase‐3, was immobilized on the surface of AuNP through the strong interaction of Au‐thiol binding. Likewise, Chen and coworkers presented a novel surface enhanced ECL phenomenon with Ru(bpy) 3 2+ ‐TPrA system in which the AuNP‐SiO 2 core‐shell nanocomposites were utilized to modify the working electrode . Owing to the localized surface plasmon resonance of AuNP, ca.…”

Applications of gold nanoparticles in medicine and therapy

“…125 The ECL enhancement by LSPR of AuNPs was investigated and termed as surface enhanced ECL (SEECL). 126 The LSPR of AuNPs was found to increase both the excitation rate and the emission factor of luminophores, and thus the ECL intensity was enhanced greatly. Based on this SEECL effect, a method was developed for ultrasensitive detection of Hg 2+ in drinking water.…”

Advanced AuNMs as nanomedicine’s central goals capable of active targeting in both imaging and therapy in biomolecules

“…Beside the organic dye, noble metal NPs could greatly affect ECL behavior of semiconductor QDs [124]. The ECL enhancement by LSPR of AuNPs was investigated and termed as surface enhanced ECL (SEECL) [125]. The LSPR of AuNPs was found to increase both the excitation rate and the emission factor of luminophores, and thus the ECL intensity was enhanced greatly.…”