Electrochemiluminescence from Ru(bpy)32+ immobilized in poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrenesulfonate)–poly(vinyl alcohol) composite films

Electrochemical behavior and electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) of tris(2,2′-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)32+) immobilized in poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrenesulfonate)–poly(vinyl alcohol) (PEDOT/PSS–PVA) composite films via ion-exchange have been investigated with tripropylamine (TPA) as the co-reactant at a glassy carbon electrode. The immobilized Ru(bpy)32+ performed a surface-controlled electrode reaction. The Ru(bpy)32+ modified electrode showed a fast ECL response to TPA, and was used for the ECL detection of TPA with high sensitivity. The ECL intensity was linearly related to concentrations of TPA over the range from 0.50 μmol L−1 to 0.80 mmol L−1, and the detection limit was 0.10 μmol L−1 (S/N = 3). The as-prepared electrode exhibited good precision and long-term stability for TPA determination.