Hot electron-induced cathodic electrochemiluminescence at oil film-covered carbon paste electrode and application to nano-molar determination of catechol

► An oil film-covered CPE suitable for cathodic ECL was reported. ► The oil film-covered CPE exhibited excellent sensitivity and perfect stability. ► It is applied to the determination of catechol based on the quenching effect of phenols. ► The LOD of catechol is lower than the other reported methods. ► It is applied to determine catechol in water sample.