Electrochemiluminescence

Abstract

The following chapter outlines the general principles of electrogenerated chemiluminescence, also called electrochemiluminescence (ECL). After a brief historical overview, the current state of understanding of theoretical and mechanistic aspects of ECL will be summarized, focusing on the two main pathways to the excited state, namely, the annihilation and the co-reactants mechanisms. The most frequently studied electrochemiluminophores and co-reactants will be described and recent advances in electrochemiluminescent nanomaterials will be critically assessed. Then, an overview of the practical aspects of performing ECL experiments will be presented, including the experimental configuration, electrodes, detectors, and other instrumentation. Finally, the principal applications of ECL will be briefly described, focusing mostly on bioanalysis.