Dual-Site Activation Coupling with a Schottky Junction Boosts the Electrochemiluminescence of Carbon Nitride

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2023 Aug 14;62(33):e202308257. doi: 10.1002/anie.202308257. Epub 2023 Jul 10.

Abstract

Robust electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of carbon nitride (CN) requires efficient electron-hole recombination and the suppression of electrode passivation. In this work, Au nanoparticles and single atoms (AuSA+NP ) loaded on CN serve as dual active sites that significantly accelerate charge transfer and activate peroxydisulfate. Meanwhile, the well-established Schottky junctions between Au NPs and CN act as electron sinks, effectively trapping over-injected electrons to prevent electrode passivation. As a result, the porous CN modified with AuSA+NP exhibits an enhanced and stable ECL emission, with a minimal relative standard deviation of 0.24 %. Furthermore, the designed ECL biosensor based on AuSA+NP -CN shows a remarkable performance in detecting organophosphorus pesticides. This innovative strategy has the potential to offer new insights into strong and stable ECL emission for practical applications.

Keywords: Carbon Nitride; Dual Sites; Electrochemiluminescence; Schottky Junctions; Synergistic Effects.