Ultrasensitive Ion-Imprinted Detection System with Pore-Depended Electrochemiluminescence Mechanism for Accurate and...

There is growing global concern that cesium-137 poses a potential risk to the environment, ecology, and public health. For the first time, an ultrasensitive cesium detection system with a pore-dependent electrochemiluminescence mechanism is developed in this work for the accurate and rapid monitoring in the environment. A cesium-imprinted film is prepared on the electrode to obtain an electrochemiluminescence sensor with cesium-matched pores. Tri-n-propylamine (TPrA) can enter the cesium-matched pores and give an electrochemical oxidation process, while Ru(bpy)₃ ²⁺ cannot. When cesium ions can selectively bind to the ─N═ group to occupy the pores, they block the oxidation process of TPrA in pores to quench the electrochemiluminescence signal of Ru(bpy)₃ ²⁺ with an ultralow limit of detection (50 pg L^-1). It is successfully employed to the environmental sample (salt water, fresh water, and different animals) determination and the cesium accumulation monitoring in aquatic animals, indicating its application in environmental and ecology research. A chip-type detection system is designed basing on this sensor to realize real-time detection. This work not only aids in environmental monitoring efforts but also contributes to the broader scientific understanding of cesium mobility behavior in aquatic environments, making it important for the fields of environment, ecology, and public health.