Electrochemiluminescence of titanium dioxide nanomaterials for sensing applications

This study systematically reviews the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) properties of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) synthesized via hydrothermal, sol-gel, and anodic oxidation method. TiO₂ has emerged as a highly promising candidate for ECL-based sensing applications owing to its exceptional catalytic activity, high surface area, efficient electron transport, and biocompatibility. These properties of TiO₂ allow it to function effectively as a luminophore, co-reactant, and electrode immobilization matrix for bio-organic molecules. The performance of TiO₂ in ECL is mainly determined by its efficiency in electron transfer and its surface adsorption characteristics, which affect its interactions with ECL-active species. Moreover, the doping and functionalization of conductive nanomaterials, metal ions, metal oxides, and organic modifiers greatly improves charge-transfer kinetics and surface adsorption properties, leading to enhance ECL signal intensity and stability. The recent advancements highlight the promise of TiO₂-based materials in the creation of highly sensitive and selective ECL sensor and biosensors, applicable in biomedical, environmental, and analytical fields.