Coupling thin layer electrochemistry with epifluorescence microscopy: An expedient way of investigating electrofluorochromism of organic dyes

The first example of thin layer electrochemistry coupled to epifluorescence microscopy in the total internal reflectance mode is described and applied to the investigation of electrochemically modulated fluorescence of an organic dye (chloromethoxytetrazine) in solution. This technique allows to generate full redox switch of fluorescence when converting reversibly the dye into its anion radical, as well as to record the spectral features of the electrogenerated species. Recording simultaneously fluorescence intensity and lifetime along with coulombic charge as a function of the electrode potential will lead to a deep insight into the redox quenching mechanism.

Research Highlights► First coupling of thin layer electrochemistry with fluorescence microscopy. ► Full conversion of a fluorescent dye into a non fluorescent anion radical is shown. ► Absorption and emission spectra of the electrogenerated species are recorded. ► Results can be applied to design electrofluorochromic displays.