Preparation, characterization and the electrogenerated chemiluminescence behavior of WO3 nanocrystals

The (WO3)NCs/Nafion film electrode was prepared by immobilizing the synthesized WO3 NCs on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with the help of Nafion. The ECL emission of the electrode in aqueous solution was affected by the buffer solution with respect to the pH and composition. And the strongest ECL was observed in an NH3–NH4Cl buffer with pH being 8.2. Only a weak ECL peak at 1.14 V which was originated from the annihilation process between oxidized and reduced species of WO3 NCs was found. By adding coreactant triproplamine (TPrA) in buffer solution, an additional ECL peak at 1.13 V which was attributed to the electron-transfer reaction between the oxidized WO3 NCs and reduced intermediate of TPrA was observed. The (WO3)NCs/Nafion film electrode exhibits excellent ECL property and good stability, which would promote the potential application of WO3 NCs as a luminescence material for solid-state ECL detection.

► The preparation, characterization of WO3 nanocrystals.
► The ECL behavior of WO3 nanocrystals.
► One weak ECL peak at 1.14 V was observed in aqueous solution with the absence of the coreactant TPrA.
► Two ECL peaks at 1.13 V and 1.14 V were observed in aqueous solution with the presence of the coreactant TPrA.