The effect of CdS quantum dots (QDs) on the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) signal of Ru(bpy)32+ was studied. It was found that CdS QDs could enhance the anodic ECL of Ru(bpy)32+ by 4 times. The sensitization mechanism was discussed and the influence factors including concentrations of Ru (bpy)32+ and CdS QDs, pH of solution and scan rate on ECL intensity were investigated. On the basis of quenching effect of catechol on the ECL signal of CdS QDs-Ru(bpy)32+,a system for sensitive determination of catechol was established with a detection limit of 5.5 nmol/L (S/N=3). This method was applied to the detection of catechol in tea sample with satisfactory results.