Recent advances in ionic liquid-based electrochemical biosensors

Ionic liquids (ILs) have been generally described as molten salts which are composed of asymmetric cations and anions. They exist in liquid state below 100°C. Both ILs and their composite materials have been widely used in various fields. Attributed to the outstanding properties including the thermal and chemical stabilities, the negligible volatility, the high ionic conductivity, the wide electrochemical window, and the easy design in the construction, ILs have been applied in electrochemical applications including the electrocatalysis, the electrosynthesis, the electrodeposition, the electrochamical devices and sensors. In addition to the application in electrochemical sensors, ILs have also been used in biosensors because of their biocompatibiciy. Here, we review the recent developments for the applicaitons of ILs in electrochemical sensors and biosensors, including the corresponding properties of ILs suitable for electrochemical sensors. Electrochemical biosensors constructed by numorous composites are the emphasis in the review.