Electrochemiluminescence sensor based on EuS nanocrystals for ultrasensitive detection of mercury ions in seafood

• Published in: Sensors and actuators. B, Chemical Vol. 352; p. 131075
• Main Authors: Hua, Qing, Tang, Feiyan, Wang, Xiaobin, Li, Min, Gu, Xiaowen, Sun, Wenjie, Luan, Feng, Tian, Chunyuan, Zhuang, Xuming
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 01.02.2022; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Electrochemiluminescence; Emission analysis; Europium; Europium sulfide; Mercury; Mercury (metal); Nanocrystals; Potassium persulfate; Reagents; Seafood; Sensors; Seafood; Electrochemiluminescence; Europium sulfide; Mercury
• ISSN: 0925-4005; 1873-3077
• DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2021.131075

In this work, the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of europium sulfide nanocrystals (EuS NCs) in K2S2O8 cathode co-reagents was studied. Based on selective quenching of the ECL emission from EuS NCs by Hg2+, a novel label-free ECL sensor for the highly sensitive and selective detection of Hg2+ was developed. A linear response between the ECL intensity and the concentration of Hg2+ was obtained in the range from 0.1 pM to 105 pM, achieving a detection limit of 0.028 pM. Moreover, this sensor was also successfully applied to the detection of Hg2+ in seafood with good recovery. The current study provides a green and feasible method for the detection of trace Hg2+ in seafood. [Display omitted] •The electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of EuS nanocrystals was reported.•An intensive and stable cathode ECL emission at − 2.0 V was observed.•The ECL sensor with high selectivity and stability was achieved for detecting Hg2+.•This sensor was successfully applied for Hg2+ detection in seafood.