In
this research article, a novel and simple label-free electrochemiluminescence
(ECL) immunosensor using cerium stannite (Ce2Sn2O7) nanocubes as brand-new ECL emitters has been suggested
for the first time. Ce2Sn2O7 nanocubes
prepared by a simple hydrothermal method displayed bright ECL emission,
promising biocompatibility, low noxiousness, and perfect stability.
On comparison of ECL and photoluminescence (PL) spectra, a surface-state
mechanism was proposed to be involved in the ECL emission. After aminofunctionalization
with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), Ce2Sn2O7 could be decorated with gold nanoparticles through
Au–NH2 covalent linkage, which yielded Au@Ce2Sn2O7 nanocomposites and further enhanced
the ECL emission. To confirm the proposed immunosensor feasibility,
carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was employed as an exemplary analyte.
Based on the abovementioned points, our fabricated immunosensor improved
the ECL performance to CEA concentrations in a linear range of 0.001–70
ng/mL with a low limit of detection of 0.53 pg/mL (S/N = 3). With
outstanding stability, reproducibility, and specificity, this method
is expected to be an innovative one for sensitive analyses of CEA
and other biomarkers in real samples.