Review—Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence: Light Years Ahead

An overview is given on great achievements in electrogenerated chemiluminescence or electrochemiluminescence (ECL) by Allen J. Bard. The established ECL theories and fundamentals are first described. The developed analytical instrumentation and methodology for ECL are then revealed. Studies of various types of ECL luminophores are summarized. The discovered ECL applications especially in bioanalysis and bioimaging are finally depicted. Bard's presentations and publications on ECL are indispensable resources of inspiration and guides for ECL researchers worldwide, who will further advance ECL research and applications already in a prosperous stage.