A novel solid-state electrochemiluminescence sensor based on Ru(bpy)32+ immobilization on TiO2 nanotube arrays and its application for detection of amines in water

Many amines are proven or suspected to be carcinogenic and have been implicated in inducing cancer of the bladder. Therefore, the monitoring of their levels in environmental samples is important for the protection of health and the environment. Herein, a novel method for effective immobilization of Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) on the electrode surface of TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNs) is developed for the first time. The method involves Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) spontaneously adsorbed on the surface of negatively charged TiO2 nanotubes due to electrostatic interaction to produce a Ru(bpy)(3)(2+)/TNs/Ti (Ru-TNs-Ti) solid-state electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor. The prepared solid-state sensor was used to detect the changes of concentrations of pollutant tripropylamine (TPA) in water. The sensor exhibits excellent ECL behavior, very good stability and high sensitivity. This study may provide new insight into the design and preparation of an advanced solid-state ECL sensor for monitoring of amines in water.