One-step immobilization of Ru(bpy)32+ in a silica matrix for the construction of a solid-state electrochemiluminescent sensor with high performance

An electrochemically induced sol-gel process has been used to efficiently immobilize Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) in a 3D porous silica film matrix deposited on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE), forming a solid state electro-chemiluminescence (ECL) sensor. In this approach, electrolysis of the GCE at cathodic voltages from a solution of ammonium fluorosilicate containing Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) results in the reduction of water to hydroxyl ions and hydrogen bubbles. The former product catalyzes the hydrolysis of ammonium fluorosilicate to form a silica film; while the hydrogen bubbles act as a dynamic template in forming a porous silica matrix. Therefore, a large quantity of Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) ions can be efficiently encapsulated in the porous silica matrix, and the formed porous structure offers a good mass transport path. The fabricated [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) solid-state ECL sensor shows high sensitivity and stability towards the determination of tripropylamine (TPA). The electrochemically generated luminescence signal shows a good linear relationship to TPA concentration ranging from 3.46 × 10(-10) to 3.70 × 10(-6) M and 3.70 × 10(-6) to 3.60 × 10(-4) M, with an extremely low detection limit of 17 pM (S/N = 3). The present approach is effective for encapsulation of various molecules and could find wide application in the construction of various sensors.