Abstract
Simple and efficient synthesis of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with anodic electrochemiluminescence (ECL) remains a great challenge. Herein, we present an anodic ECL-sensing platform based on nitrogen-doped GQDs (N-GQDs), which enables sensitive detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and glucose. N-GQDs are easily prepared using one-step molecular fusion between carbon precursor and a dopant in an alkaline hydrothermal process. The synthesis is simple, green, and has high production yield. The as-prepared N-GQDs exhibit a single graphene-layered structure, uniform size, and good crystalline. In the presence of H2O2, N-GQDs possess high anodic ECL activity owing to the functional hydrazide groups. With N-GQDs being ECL probes, sensitive detection of H2O2 in the range of 0.3–100.0 μM with a limit of detection or LOD of 63 nM is achieved. As the oxidation of glucose catalyzed by glucose oxidase (GOx) produces H2O2, sensitive detection of glucose is also realized in the range of 0.7–90.0 μM (LOD of 96 nM).
Highlights
Electrochemiluminescence or electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) is a process in which electrochemical species undergo an electron transfer reaction to form an excited state to emit light (Chen et al, 2011; Li et al, 2017; Zhai et al, 2017; Ma et al, 2020)
The synthesis suffers from low production yield, and the as-prepared graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have wide size distribution
We have developed an electrochemiluminescencesensing platform based on nitrogen-doped graphenes (N-GQDs), which enables sensitive ECL detection of H2O2 and glucose at low anodic potential
Summary
Electrochemiluminescence or electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) is a process in which electrochemical species undergo an electron transfer reaction to form an excited state to emit light (Chen et al, 2011; Li et al, 2017; Zhai et al, 2017; Ma et al, 2020). As an ingenious combination of chemiluminescence and electrochemistry, ECL is currently the most effective analytical technique owing to extraordinary merits of simple instrument and operation, no background signal, high sensitivity, and good controllability (e.g., controlling the reaction by the applied potential at the electrode) (Huang et al, 2021; Ma et al, 2021; Wang et al, 2021). In comparison with the conventional molecular emitters (e.g., metal–organic complexes or organic compounds), nanomaterials, especially quantum dots (QDs), are promising emitters owing to their extraordinary properties and functions, such as a tunable structure and luminescent properties, easy coupling with functional ligands (e.g., protein or DNA aptamer), large specific surface area, and possible catalytic effect (Xu et al, 2014; Bertoncello and Ugo, 2017).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
