Understanding role of microstructures of nanomaterials in electrochemiluminescence properties and their applications

The microstructures of nanomaterials play important role in electrochemical and optical properties of nanomaterials. With wide applications of nanomaterials in electrochemiluminescence (ECL), how the microstructures of nanomaterials affect the ECL properties of nanomaterials have attracted increasing attentions. Deeper understanding of the relationship between microstructures of nanomaterials and ECL properties can not only facilitate better performances of nanomaterials in ECL applications, but also promote new emerging applications of nanomaterial-based ECL. In this review, recent progress on impact of microstructures of nanomaterials on ECL properties was introduced. The microstructures of nanomaterials include defect, morphology, surface ligand, valence state and spatial distribution of nanomaterial composition. The ECL properties involve ECL intensity and efficiency, wavelength and polarization of ECL emission as well as ECL triggering potential. In addition, the mechanisms of how microstructures of nanomaterials shape ECL properties were discussed. Finally, future perspectives in this field were provided. This review may inspire researchers in analytical chemistry and material science to design and apply nanomaterials with well-controlled microstructures for desired ECL performances in various applications.