Narrow-Window Cathodic Electrochemiluminescence from Laser-Engineered Graphitic Carbon Nitride: A Next-Generation...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Anode electrochemiluminescence (ECL) for microplastic detection is hindered by reducing agents that interfere with signal generation.
• Cathode ECL systems face challenges like hydrogen evolution and emitter passivation.
• Existing methods lack accuracy and sensitivity for microplastic detection in complex environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel cathodic ECL sensor for accurate microplastic detection in seawater.
• To introduce a new electrochemiluminescent material overcoming limitations of existing technologies.
• To enhance the sensitivity of microplastic detection using advanced amplification strategies.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized nitrogen vacancy-enriched graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) via laser irradiation as a surface-state-mediated band gap emission cathodic ECL emitter.
• Developed a poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) microplastics sensor utilizing the synthesized g-C3N4.
• Employed a rolling circle amplification strategy combined with CRISPR/Cas12a trans-cleavage activity to boost sensor sensitivity.

Main Results:

• The novel cathodic ECL emitter demonstrated a unique emission mechanism within a narrow potential window.
• The developed PVC microplastics sensor achieved accurate quantification in the range of 0.20 ng/mL to 0.20 μg/mL.
• The combination of g-C3N4 emitter and CRISPR/Cas12a amplification strategy provided satisfactory sensitivity for microplastic detection.

Conclusions:

• The study presents a novel surface-state-mediated band gap emission cathodic ECL emitter for microplastic detection.
• This work addresses critical gaps in current microplastic detection technologies, offering a new strategy for designing ECL luminophors.
• The developed sensor provides a promising tool for accurate and sensitive monitoring of microplastics in environmental samples.