Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence in Functional Redox Chemistry

Abstract

Since the first observation of light generation during the electrochemical studies of hydrocarbons, electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) has developed from a curious phenomenon to one of the most important leader technologies in (bio)analytical and clinical chemistry through the last 50 years. This has been possible thanks to the electrochemical method to achieve light emission, which makes such a technique extremely sensitive. However, the adaptability of this electrochemical technique, the relative simplicity of the experimental equipment, and the possibility to use a large range of electrolytes and solvents have spread the use of ECL toward the most diverse research applications. In the present chapter, we summarize the latest trends of ECL in some of these new research areas. In particular, we focus our attention on novel ECL reaction systems employed to generate the coreactant directly in situ. We also review the latest trends of ECL imaging and the use of this methodology for microscopy applications. Lastly, organic systems with aggregation and crystallization-induced emission effects in ECL are summarized. Conclusions and future directions are also provided at the end of the chapter.