Imaging Wireless Electrode Reactions by Bipolar Electrochemiluminescence

Abstract

The coupling between bipolar electrochemistry and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) technologies has resulted in a fascinating field of the academic research, because the advantages of both techniques are often emphasized in their combined form. For instance, the light emission resulting from an electrochemical reaction typical of the ECL process can be exploited for reporting redox events occurring on a wireless bipolar electrode (BPE). After introducing the concept of bipolar electrochemiluminescence, this comprehensive paper summarizes the most recent research results of the author in the aforementioned research area at Tokyo Institute of Technology during her multi-year stay as overseas researcher. These results include the development of an analytical tool based on ECL imaging to map the potential distribution on different types of bipolar electrochemical cells, and the characterization of different conducting polymer materials based on their ability to promote the ECL reaction. Such findings are assessed in relation to the current literature scenario, whereas future perspectives of this fascinating field of research are also discussed at the end of this manuscript.