Nanomaterials in Electrochemiluminescence Sensors

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) is a means of converting electrical energy into radiative energy. With combined advantages of chemiluminescence and electrochemical control, an interest in ECL has grown rapidly and is broadly applied in biological analysis. Recently, nanomaterials have been widely applied in the vast majority of ECL studies to remarkably amplify signals, owing to their excellent conductivity, large surface area, and sometimes catalytic activity. Herein, we present a Review article on novel nanomaterials in ECL sensors. We introduce the main types of nanomaterials and their physical, chemical, and biological properties along with applications in different ECL sensors with respect to the corresponding functions they serve. A major focus is placed upon numerous research strategies for addressing the signal amplification with nanomaterials in ECL. Lastly, a perspective on the challenges and opportunities of this emerging field is given.