Electrochemiluminescence of Quantum Dots: Synthesis, Mechanism and Sensor Application

Abstract

Quantum dots (QDs) have emerged as promising alternatives for constructing electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensors due to their outstanding optical and electrical properties, including size-dependent tunable wavelengths, broad absorption spectra, narrow emission bands, high luminescence efficiency, and good stability. Leveraging these attributes, QD-based ECL sensors exhibit ultra-sensitivity and real-time detection, attracting significant attention in the field of advanced analytical sensing. In terms of this, myriad reviews have focused on the design and application of QD-based ECL sensors. In contrast, the understanding of corresponding synthetic strategy and ECL mechanism remain relatively limited. This review starts with an overview of synthesis methods of QDs for ECL sensing, followed by a comparison of different ECL mechanisms. Subsequently, we summarize the recent advances in the applications of QD-based ECL sensors. Last but not least, we discuss current challenges and present an insight into future development in this field.