Metallopolymers as Nanostructured Solid‐State Platforms for Electrochemiluminescence Applications

Abstract

AbstractElectrochemiluminescence (ECL) is the process of light emission arising from an electrochemically generated excited state. ECL has been demonstrated to be a powerful tool for bioanalysis, in particular when phosphorescent transition metal complexes (TMCs) are used as emitters. Apart from molecular luminophores, there has been increasing interest in the use of both non‐conjugated and π‐conjugated metallopolymers over the last decade. Research efforts in this direction are driven by the appealing possibility to synergistically combine typical features of polymers, such as processability, with the enhanced photophysical and redox properties of several classes of TMCs. Indeed, solid‐state arrangements of ECL‐active metallopolymers enable their straightforward use as sensors with enhanced response. This concept article focuses on ECL‐active metallopolymers and their use in solid‐state platforms, providing a survey with relevant examples together with properties, mechanisms and proposed applications. Finally, the outlook for future applications across different research fields for these materials as well as their limitations for will be discussed.