Water Activation-Enabled Electrochemiluminescence for Sensitive Antioxidant Assay: A Comprehensive Laboratory Experiment for Third-Year Undergraduate Students
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Weiqing Xu [1] ; Ling Ling [1] ; Nanxing Zhong [1] ; Miao Xu [1] ; Liuyong Hu [2] ; Wenling Gu [1] ; Chengzhou Zhu [1]
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[1] Central China Normal University
Central China Normal University
China
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[2] Wuhan Institute of Technology
Wuhan Institute of Technology
China
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- Localización: Journal of chemical education, ISSN 0021-9584, Vol. 102, Nº 8, 2025, págs. 3551-3557
- Idioma: inglés
- Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
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Resumen
Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) as a powerful analytical tool attracts much interest in the development of advanced sensors. In traditional luminol ECL systems, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and dissolved oxygen (O2) are usually used as co-reactants to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) for inducing emission. However, the limited solubility of O2 in water and the easy self-decomposition of H2O2 disturb the accuracy of the sensing platforms. In this experiment, the water oxidation reaction was triggered to produce ROS by an oxygen vacancy-rich ZnCo2O4 catalyst, avoiding the introduction of extra co-reactants. Taking advantage of the consumption of ROS, a luminol–H2O-based ECL sensor was established for the antioxidant assay in beverages. This experiment is designed for senior undergraduate students majoring in chemistry, materials and other fields as an extension of their training in comprehensive chemistry experiments. This experiment mainly includes material synthesis, ECL, water oxidation reaction, analytical instrument principles and other related knowledge. This experimental design is very essential to (1) enable students to understand the concept of antioxidants and their importance to human health; (2) encourage students to develop innovative analytical methods for antioxidants; (3) cultivate students’ experimental operation ability and scientific research innovation ability; and (4) stimulate students’ curiosity and passion for research by making connections between basic chemistry courses, professional chemistry courses and experimental proficiency.
