Work

Electrochemiluminescence of chlorophyll a and chemiluminescence of chlorophylls a and b

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The absolute chemiluminescence (CL) quantum efficiencies of chlorophylls a and b were measured, and the absolute electrochemiluminescence (ECL) quantum efficiency of chlorophyll a was determined. These measurements were carried out under well-defined conditions to quantify the number of photons emitted per molecule reacted or per electron injected into the system, showing the emissive performance of naturally occurring chlorophylls as luminophores. The primary objective was to verify whether chlorophylls can act as efficient light emitters in both CL and ECL processes, assessing their potential as practical luminophores for light-emitting applications. Their abundance in nature might be beneficial for low-cost mass production of luminescence materials. Particular attention was given to chlorophyll a and b, due to their central role in natural photosynthetic light harvesting and their relatively simple extraction and purification. By demonstrating chlorophylls' absolute CL and ECL quantum efficiencies, this work highlights their promise as low-cost, environmentally friendly luminophores. The above features suggest chlorophylls to be sustainable alternatives to conventional synthetic emitters in future light-emitting and biosensing devices. Herein is our report on investigation of chlorophyll chemiluminescence and electrochemilumoinescence with their spectroscopy and absolute quantum efficiencies. • CL and ECL of chlorophylls a and b were investigated. • Novel methods were developed for quantifying absolute luminescence efficiencies. • Chlorophylls show strong light emission in both CL and ECL reactions. • Natural pigments enable low-cost, metal-free luminophore features. • Chlorophylls are sustainable alternatives for lighting and sensing.

Source: Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry

DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2026.113349

Authors: Ziying Zhan, Zahra Mohamad Sharif, In Lee, Martin J. Stillman, Zhifeng Ding

Institution: Western University

Language: English

Topic: Luminescence and Fluorescent Materials

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,220

Funders: Ontario Innovation Trust, Canada Foundation for Innovation, Western University, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada