Optimising electrogenerated chemiluminescence of quantum dots via co-reactant selection

Russell, Rebekah and Stewart, Alasdair J. and Dennany, Lynn (2016) Optimising electrogenerated chemiluminescence of quantum dots via co-reactant selection. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 408 (25). pp. 7129-7136. ISSN 1618-2642 (https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-016-9557-1)

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Abstract

We demonstrate that for quantum dot (QD) based electrochemiluminescence (ECL), the commonly used co-reactant does not preform as effectively as potassium persulfate. By exploiting this small change is co-reactant, ECL intensity can be enhanced dramatically in a cathodic based ECL system. However, TPA remains the preferential co-reactant based system for anodic ECL. This phenomenon can be rationalised through the relative energy level profiles of the QD to the co-reactant in conjunction with the applied potential range. This work highlights the importance of understanding the co-reactant pathway for optimising the application of ECL to bioanalytical analysis, in particular for near infrared (NIR) QDs which can be utilised for analysis in blood.