[Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ doped mesoporous carbon nanospheres as enhanced ECL luminophore for ultrasensitive detection of β-hydroxybutyric acid

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensing by virtue of its low background interference and great controllability, has emerged as a significant method in analysis. However, how to gain well-performed ECL sensors in a facile effective way remains a challenge. Herein, we synthesized [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ doped mesoporous carbon nanospheres (RMCNs) as an enhanced ECL luminophore via a one-step approach, which present great ECL emission and stability. The synergistic effects of [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ doping level, Zeta potential, pore size and particle size of RMCNs on the ECL intensity were systematically studied, and the ECL efficiency of individual [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ cation in RMCNs was clearly clarified through approximate calculation. Combined with molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP), an ECL sensor featuring good selectivity and wide detection range was developed for the detection of β-hydroxybutyric acid (0.1 nM∼10 mM). This work puts forward an effective solution for the design of nanoluminophores with excellent and stable ECL property. © 2023 Elsevier B.V.