Electrochemiluminescence sensor for pentoxifylline detection using Au nanoclusters@graphene quantum dots as an amplified electrochemiluminescence luminophore

•The Au NCs@GQDs were synthesized simply via amide coupling reaction.•The ECL-RET between GQDs and Au NCs and high conductivity of GQDs efficiently enhanced the ECL intensity of Au NCs@GQDs..•The Au NCs@GQDs as the amplified ECL luminophore were used to fabricate ECL sensor for the detection of pentoxifylline..