Electrochemiluminescence system excitation

By media variables we mean the solvent, electrolyte, and electrodes employed in electrochemical generation of excited states. The roles which these play in the emissive process have not been sufficiently investigated. The combination of A vV-dimethylformamide, or acetonitrile, tetra-n-butylammonium perchlorate and platinum have been most commonly reported because they have been found empirically to function well. Despite various inadequacies of these systems, however, relatively little has been done to find and develop improved conditions under which emission could be seen and studied. Electrochemiluminescence emission has also been observed in dimethyl sulfite, propylene carbonate, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, trimethylacetonitrile, and benzonitrile.17 Recently the last of these has proven very useful for stabilizing the rubrene cation radical.65,66 Other electrolytes that have been tried are tetraethylam-monium bromide and perchlorate1 and tetra-n-butylammonium bromide and iodide.5 Emission has also been observed with gold,4 mercury,5 and transparent tin oxide electrodes,9 but few studies have yet been made1 as to the effects of electrode construction and orientation on the emission character. 

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