Versatile electrochemiluminescent organic emitters

namely polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, have been the first molecules investigated since the beginning of ECL studies. Moving from organic solvents to water-based solutions in view of analytical applications, the attention on ECL emitters shifted to soluble inorganic complexes, which prevailed in both fundamental and applied research. However, the investigation of organic molecules has recently revived owing to new synthetic procedures and concepts. Polymeric nanoparticles, and thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) sparked the research with renovated interest for organic molecules. Here, we introduce and summarise these new concepts behind organic emitters for ECL.

Automated summary

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were the first molecules investigated in electrochemiluminescence (ECL) studies, but the focus shifted to soluble inorganic complexes when analytical applications moved from organic solvents to water-based solutions. However, recent advancements in synthetic procedures and concepts have revived the investigation of organic molecules. Polymeric nanoparticles and thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) have sparked renewed interest in organic emitters.