N-(4-Aminobutyl)-N-ethylisoluminol/CoFe2O4/graphene hybrids with unique chemiluminescence and magnetism

Abstract

In this study, N-(4-Aminobutyl)-N-ethylisoluminol (ABEI) and CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticle functionalized graphene hybrids (ABEI/CoFe₂O₄/GNs) were synthesized for the first time via a hydrothermal reaction and π–π stacking using ABEI as a chemiluminescence (CL) reagent and CoFe₂O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as a catalyst and magnetic carrier. The as-prepared ABEI/CoFe₂O₄/GNs demonstrated a good magnetic separation performance, which could be used as a separation tool for the purification of ABEI/CoFe₂O₄/GNs. Moreover, the as-prepared ABEI/CoFe₂O₄/GNs exhibited outstanding CL activity and good stability when reacted with H₂O₂ in alkaline solution; the CL intensity was about 80 times higher than that of ABEI/GNs. The ABEI/CoFe₂O₄/GNs also exhibited good electrochemiluminescence (ECL) activity in alkaline and near-neutral conditions without any additional co-reactant. The excellent CL/ECL efficiency of the ABEI/CoFe₂O₄/GNs was attributed to the CoFe₂O₄ MNPs immobilized on the surface of graphene, which catalyzed the decomposition of H₂O₂ to generate O₂˙⁻ and HO˙, accelerating the CL/ECL reaction. Owing to their good magnetic properties, unique CL/ECL performance and good stability, as well as easy assembly and biocompatibility of graphene, the as-prepared ABEI/CoFe₂O₄/GNs could be used as an ideal platform for constructing biosensors and bioassays.