A novel molecularly imprinted electrochemiluminescence sensor based on a Ru(bpy)(3)(2+)/MWCNTs/nano-TiO2-Nafion electrode for the detection of bisphenol A

A novel molecularly imprinted electrochemiluminescence sensor based on a Ru(bpy)(3)(2+)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/nano-titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2)-Nafion electrode was established for the ultrasensitive and ultraselective detection of bisphenol A (BPA). The introduction of MWCNTs/nano-TiO2 nanohybrids into the Nafion film could provide an excellent basis for effective immobilization of Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) and improve the electrochemical and ECL properties of Ru(bpy)(3)(2+). The MIP-ECL sensor fabricated by the combination of the MIT with the Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) ECL system could provide specific binding sites for BPA and the selectivity of the sensor was significantly improved. Under the best optimum conditions, the proposed MIP-ECL sensor not only exhibited high sensitivity and selectivity for BPA, but also displayed acceptable reproducibility and stability. A linear range from 0.01 mg L-1 to 2 mg L-1 for the detection of BPA was observed with a detection limit of 0.0041 mg L-1. Moreover, the fabricated sensor was successfully used to detect BPA in ambient water samples and relatively satisfactory recoveries were obtained.