New capillary electrophoresis–electrochemiluminescence detection system equipped with an electrically heated Ru(bpy)32+/multi-wall-carbon-nanotube paste electrode

A new capillary electrophoresis–electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detection system equipped with an electrically heated Ru(bpy)32+/multi-wall-carbon-nanotube paste electrode (Ru(bpy)32+/MWNTPE) was developed. Ru(bpy)32+ was immobilized in the electrode by directly mixing with the multi-wallcarbon-nanotube paste (MWNTP). This modified electrode could be electrically heated and temperature of the electrode (Te) could be accurately controlled. Tri-n-propylamine (TPrA) was used as coreactant to investigate CE–ECL signals under different conditions. Compared with the conventional electrode at room temperature, the heated electrode has been shown to provide some advantages, such as higher sensitivity, lower RSD, and decreasing width of the peak. Furthermore, wider range of capillary-to-electrode distance and larger-area electrode are a benefit to CE–ECL. In addition, this system has been applied to separation and detection of acephate and dimethoate. The results indicated that the present CE–ECL system coupled with heated modified-electrode could provide high sensitivity, wide linear range, satisfying linear relationship and excellent reproducibility.