Strategies to improve the electrochemiluminescence performance of graphitic carbon nitride nanomaterials

Graphitic carbon nitride (CN) has attracted considerable attention as electrochemiluminescence (ECL) emitter due to its unique molecular and electronic structures. In the last decade, various strategies have been developed to improve the ECL performance of CN nanomaterials (nCN). However, a systematic review is absent. Herein, we summarize the advances in nCN ECL by dividing into five sections including intensity enhancement, stability improvement, lowering potential, tailoring wavelength and extending duration. The strategies for each section are classified into two main categories, namely formation of functional nanocomposites and molecular engineering. We further discuss the current challenges and further possibilities ahead for nCN ECL performance improvement. This review would provide valuable insights to understand the relationship between structure and ECL activity of nCN and to develop highly efficient nCN emitters satisfying the specific ECL-based application requirements.