Electrogenerated chemiluminescence sensing platform using Ru(bpy)32+ doped silica nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes

An effective electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) sensor was developed by coimmobilization of the Ru(bpy)32+-doped silica (RuDS) nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on glassy carbon electrode through hydrophobic interaction. The uniform RuDS nanoparticles were prepared by a water-in-oil (W/O) microemulsion method and Ru(bpy)32+ doped inside could still maintain its high ECL efficiency. With such unique immobilization method, a great deal of Ru(bpy)32+ was immobilized three-dimensionally on the electrode, which could greatly enhance the ECL response and result in the increased sensitivity. On the other hand, CNTs played dual roles as matrix to immobilize RuDS nanoparticles and promoter to accelerate the electron transfer between Ru(bpy)32+ and the electrode. The as-prepared ECL sensor displayed good sensitivity and stability.