An ultratrace assay of arsenite based on the synergistic quenching effect of Ru(bpy)32+ and arsenite on the electrochemiluminescence of Au–g-C3N4 nanosheets

Abstract

A novel ratiometric electrochemiluminescence (ECL) indicator has been constructed for ultratrace As(III) detection based on the synergistic quenching of ECL emission of Au–g-C₃N₄ NSs using As(III) and Ru(bpy)₃²⁺, meanwhile generating a new ECL signal of Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ with an increased intensity. Due to the dual quenching effect of As(III) and Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ coupled with the generation of the second ECL signal of Ru(bpy)₃²⁺, the sensitivity and selectivity for detecting As(III) are vastly enhanced.