From detection to mechanistic insight: Electrochemiluminescence as a universal platform for reaction kinetics

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) has evolved from a simple optical detection method into a powerful probe for interfacial reaction kinetics. By converting electrical signals into optical signals with high temporal and spatial resolution, ECL provides new insights into intermediate dynamic processes such as electron transfer and intermediate formation during the reaction process. This review systematically summarizes and expounds the latest progress in the application of ECL in cross-reaction systems, including oxygen reduction, oxygen evolution, hydrogen evolution and metal ion-related processes. Studies have shown that ECL can be used as a kinetic probe for real-time monitoring of pathways and intermediates that cannot be obtained by conventional electrochemistry. In addition, we highlight its increasingly important role in catalyst evaluation, reaction process monitoring, and single-entity analysis. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and propose future directions, aiming to use ECL as a universal method to decipher the reaction mechanisms at the electrochemical interface.