Electrochemiluminescent microoptoprobe with mini-grid working electrode and self-contained sample container

A new electrochemiluminescence (ECL) microoptoprobe with simple structure. small sampling volume and high efficiency was developed. It was constructed by fixing the transparent gold mini-grid on the end surface of the optical fiber, and by surrounding the fiber with the counter- and reference electrodes to form a self-contained three-electrode system. The use of mini-grid electrode increased the surface area and collection efficiency. which resulted in higher ECL signal and better sensitivity. The counter electrode together with one end of the fiber formed a mini-vessel, which eliminated the need of additional container and allowed to perform ECL detection in a very small volume (about 10 mul). The microoptoprobe obtained was characterized with the Ru(bpy)(3)(2-)-tripropylamine system and was applied for the determination of oxalate and chlorpromazine (CPZ). Detection limits (S/N = 3) were 5 x 10(-7) and 1 x 10(-6) mol l(-1) for oxalate and CPZ. respectively. The linear range for oxalate and CPZ extended from 1 x 10(-6) to 1 x 10(-3) mol l(-1), and from 5 x 10(-6) to 5 x 10(-4) mol l(-1). respectively. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.