Electrochemiluminescence Microscopy

Abstract

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) microscopy is an emerging imaging technology that combines electrochemistry with optical microscopy. It operates without external light excitation, effectively eliminating photobleaching, phototoxicity, and scattered light noise, and thus enables high-contrast, low-background visualization of interfacial processes. This tutorial review first systematically outlines the instrumentation of ECL microscopy, covering the optical module such as objective lenses, cameras, and optical configurations, the electrochemical module (electrode architectures and electrolyte composition), as well as the software control for imaging acquisition, synchronization, and data analysis. Representative applications of ECL microscopy are then summarized in two major fields: bioanalysis, where imaging analysis of single cells and organelles, single biomolecules detection, biocoreactant-enhanced ECL imaging, and multiplexed high-throughput assays are highlighted; and single-particle catalysis, where activity mapping for noble metals, quantum dots, and single-atom catalysts is reviewed. Finally, we discuss current challenges and future directions of ECL microscopy, aiming to provide a comprehensive reference for advancing ECL microscopy toward broader applications in biomedicine, energy, and environment.