Quantum dots-based chemiluminescence probes: an overview.

This mini-review describes the recent developments in quantum dots-based nanoprobes in liquid-phase chemiluminescence (CL) analysis. In the referenced reports, multiple quantum dots (QDs) were adopted as final emission species either after direct oxidation reactions (direct CL) or after chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (indirect CL). This review does not include papers in which QDs have been used as enhancers, catalysts, carriers or quenchers in chemiluminescence systems. A brief overview on the CL mechanisms of various QDs-based nanoprobes and their analytical applications over the last decade is given, followed by comments on the future challenges and prospects in this field.