An Instrumental Analysis Laboratory Using Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence

An undergraduate instrumental analysis laboratory exercise is presented for the characterization of light emission generated using electrochemiluminescence (ECL). ECL involves the electrochemical generation of excited states and as such is a sensitive probe of electrochemical, electron-transfer and energy-transfer processes at electrified interfaces. An objective of this experiment is to have students develop an understanding of the mechanisms and factors affecting ECL. Also, this exercise gives students experience in coupling two powerful analytical techniques: electrochemistry and spectroscopy. With the recent development of ECL technology for use in clinical diagnostics applications, this exercise also facilitates discussions on the importance of basic research and the practical aspects of taking a technology from the bench top to commercial reality.