Electrochemiluminescent cells based on zeolite-encapsulated host-guest systems: encapsulated ruthenium tris-bipyridyl

An electrochemiluminescent cell has been developed that has an active layer consisting of ruthenium tris-bipyridyl encapsulated inside zeolite Y supercages. Operation of the cell requires the addition of polyethylene glycol as the solid electrolyte. The cell, which exhibits electrical conductivity behavior typical of a semiconductor, has an optimum operating voltage of 3 V. Ion exchange of sodium by cesium and vapor deposition of calcium metal inside the zeolite pores enhance the electrochemiluminescent efficiency of the cell by a factor of 4.