Electrochemiluminescence sensor based on EuS nanocrystals for ultrasensitive detection of mercury ions in seafood

In this work, the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of europium sulfide nanocrystals (EuS NCs) in K2S2O8 cathode co-reagents was studied. Based on selective quenching of the ECL emission from EuS NCs by Hg2+, a novel label-free ECL sensor for the highly sensitive and selective detection of Hg2+ was developed. A linear response between the ECL intensity and the concentration of Hg2+ was obtained in the range from 0.1 pM to 10(5) pM, achieving a detection limit of 0.028 pM. Moreover, this sensor was also successfully applied to the detection of Hg2+ in seafood with good recovery. The current study provides a green and feasible method for the detection of trace Hg2+ in seafood.

Automated summary

A novel label-free ECL sensor was developed for highly sensitive and selective detection of Hg2+, achieving a linear response and low detection limit, and successfully applied in seafood detection.