Electrochemiluminescence Sensors based on Lanthanide Nanomaterials as Modifiers

Background: The rapid and increasing use of the nanomaterials in the development of electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensors is a significant area of study for its massive potential in the practical application of nanosensor fabrication. Recently, nanomaterials (NMs) have been widely applied in vast majority of ECL studies to remarkably amplify signals owing to their excellent conductivity, large surface area and sometimes catalytic activity. Lanthanides, as f-block-based elements, possess remarkable chemical and physical properties. This review covers the use of lanthanide NMs, focusing on their use in ECL for signal amplification in sensing applications. Methods: We present the recent advances in ECL nanomaterials including lanthanides NMs with a particular emphasis on Ce, Sm, Eu and Yb. We introduce their properties along with applications in different ECL sensors. A major focus is placed upon numerous research strategies for addressing the signal amplification with lanthanide NMs in ECL. Results: Lanthanide NMs as the amplification element can provide an ideal ECL platform for enhancing the signal of a sensor due to their chemical and physical properties. Function of lanthanide NMs on signal amplification remarkably depend on their large surface area to load sufficient signal molecules, high conductivity to promote electron-transfer reaction. Conclusion: ECL as a powerful analytical technique has been widely used in various aspects. As the development of the nanotechnology and nanoscience, lanthanide nanomaterials have shown the remarkable advantages in analytical applications due to their significant physical and chemical properties. We predict that in the future, the demand for ECL sensors will be high due to their potential in a diverse range of applications. Also, we expect the research in nanomaterial-based sensors will still continue intensively and eventually become effectively routine analysis tools that could meet various challenges.