Ultrasensitive and Highly Selective Electrochemical Detection of Dopamine Using Poly(ionic liquids)-Cobalt Polyoxometalate/CNT Composite.

A novel sandwich polyoxometalate (POM) Na12[WCo3(H2O)2(CoW9O34)2] and poly(vinylimidazolium) cation [PVIM+] in combination with nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (NCNTs) was developed for a highly selective and ultrasensitive detection of dopamine. Conductively efficient heterogenization of Co5POM catalyst by PVIM over NCNTs provides the synergy between PVIM-POM catalyst and NCNTs as a conductive support which enhances the electron transport at the electrode/electrolyte interface and eliminates the interference of ascorbic acid (AA) at physiological pH (7.4). The novel PVIM-Co5POM/NCNT composite demonstrates a superior selectivity and sensitivity with a lowest detection limit of 500 pM (0.0005 μM) and a wide linear detection range of 0.0005-600 μM even in the presence of higher concentration of AA (500 μM).

Introduction

Dopamine (DA) is an important neurotransmitter in the brain’s limbic reward system which plays a significant role in functioning of cardiovascular system, renal and transferring the information to different parts of brain mainly by the reward-motivated pathway.[1,2] The abnormal levels of DA are shown to have a significant effect on neurological disorders that are linked to Parkinson’s, Schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, and human immunodeficiency virus pathogenesis.[3] Hence, sensitive and selective determination of the DA level is extremely important for the early diagnosis and prevention of these diseases for the well-being of human health. For a healthy individual, DA level lies in the range of 0.01–10 μM.[4]

Among various techniques used for the detection of DA, electrochemical methods are in vogue because of its quick response, high sensitivity and more importantly, easy electro-oxidation of DA makes it more viable. However, the coexistence of uric acid (UA) and a high concentration of ascorbic acid [AA 100–1000 times higher than DA] in the extracellular fluids of the central nervous system can cause great interference because of its oxidation potentials which are close to that of DA on bare electrodes resulting in poor selectivity. Moreover, the electro-oxidation of DA in the presence of AA results in regeneration of DA by reducing back the oxidized DA by AA and then reoxidizing at the electrode surface making the system unreliable.

Hence, it is of great importance to develop a highly selective and sensitive probe capable enough to completely knock down the interference of AA and UA for an efficient and quick therapeutics. Numerous efforts have been made in eliminating the interference of AA and the selective detection of DA. For example, transition metal oxides, noble metals,[6−8] Ag–Pt/carbon nanofibers,[9] boron-doped diamond electrode,[5] peptide nanostructures,[10] polymer,[11] and functionalized carbonaceous nanomaterials[12] have been explored. Nevertheless, extremely low concentration of DA in the presence of high concentration of AA imposes severe limitations for the existing catalyst materials.

Polyoxometalates (POMs) are high-oxidation-state transition metaloxide clusters that have attracted a great attention in numerous applications toward material science,[13] catalyst in homogeneous and heterogeneous system,[14−16] energy storage systems,[17] electrocatalysis,[18] and medicine.[19] It is also used in electrochemical sensing because of its multielectron redox properties and high stability without altering the composition; furthermore, its physical properties can be fine-tuned by varying the cations. A few reports of DA-sensing by POM are also reported,[20,21] but high solubility in water, lack of selectivity, and poor conductivity restrict its use in electrochemical sensing of DA. In the present report, we have explored a novel sandwich POM Na12[WCo3(H2O)2(CoW9O34)2] (Na12Co5POM), wherein both Co and W metals are non-noble, cost-effective, ecofriendly and stable in the pH range of 4.0–8.0. In general, sandwich POMs are more accessible and are better catalysts than simple keggin POMs. To the best of our knowledge, this sandwich Co5POM has never been explored in catalysis or any other applications. Here, we demonstrate an outstanding performance of Co5POM as a sensor for the detection of DA by using a conjugate of POM and poly(vinylimidazolium) cation [PVIM+] in combination with nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (NCNTs). Co5POM was supported over NCNTs to enhance the electron transfer between poorly conductive POMs and the external circuit. However, NCNTs[12] and POM[20,21] independently cannot eliminate the interference of AA and UA in the determination of DA. [PVIM+] was introduced as a cationic polymer (ionomer) to balance the multinegative charge (−12) of Co5POM and strongly hold both NCNT and POM while allowing the uniform distribution over NCNT support. Conductively efficient heterogenization of Co5POM catalyst by PVIM over NCNTs provides the synergy between PVIM–POM catalyst and NCNTs as a conductive support at the electrode/electrolyte interface which enhances the sensitivity and selectivity toward the electrochemical detection of DA (Scheme ) and eliminates the interference of AA at a physiological pH (7.4).

Scheme 1

Schematic Representation of PVIM–Co5POM/NCNT Composite Interactions with DA and AA at the Electrode/electrolyte Interface

Results and Discussion

Physical Characterization

In the present study, we have shown that PVIM–Co5POM conjugate is a stable catalyst to perform sensitive and selective detection of DA. Our approach was to improve the conductivity and simultaneously enhanced electron transfer of novel Co5POM molecular catalyst for a selective electrochemical detection of DA using PVIM polymer matrix and NCNTs.

The sandwich Na12[Co5POM] was synthesized under microwave heating and the green-colored crystals was obtained from recrystallization under slow evaporation of the aqueous mixture (detailed in Experimental Section). The molecular structure was analyzed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) and is depicted in Figure and Table S3 (Supporting Information, CCDC no. 1558372). As revealed by the molecular structure, three Co atoms and one W atom formed a cubane which is sandwiched between two [CoW9O34] Keggin fragments. The molecular formula of the compound was found to be Na12[WCo3(H2O)2(CoW9O34)2]. Tweleve Na atoms surrounded the Co5POM as counter-cation. All the W atoms present in the structure are octahedrally surrounded by O atoms. The Co1 atoms (namely heteroatoms) are tetrahedrally surrounded by O atoms, whereas the sandwiched Co atoms namely Co2 and Co3 are in octahedral geometry.

Figure 1

Single-crystal X-ray structure of [WCo3(H2O)2(CoW9O34)2]12–.

The sixth coordination site of each terminal Co atom Co2 is occupied by O atoms of water molecules. The sandwiched Co and W atoms (Co2, Co3, and W10) are connected to each other by oxo-bridges. Moreover, Co3 and W10 atoms are sharing the same sites because of positional disorder. Further, the detailed crystal parameters of Co5POM (extracted from the SC-XRD analysis) are given in Table S3 (Supporting Information).

The conjugate of Co5POM and PVIM was prepared using slight excess of PVIMBr to replace the Na ions in Na12[Co5POM] resulting in a concrete light green solid, where PVIM acts as a binder. The PVIM–Co5POM/NCNTs composite was prepared by homogeneously grinding the mixture of PVIM–Co5POM conjugate and NCNTs (70:30 wt%) for 1 h. The resultant PVIM–Co5POM/NCNT composite was characterized in detail using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photo electron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. Additionally, UV–vis and FT-IR spectroscopic studies were carried out for Co5POM and have been provided as Figures S3 and S4 (Supporting Information), respectively. FT-IR analysis shows all the W–O characteristic stretching frequencies and νC=N (1159 cm–1), slightly shifted to 1164 cm–1 in PVIM–Co5POM/NCNTs composite compared to PVIM–Co5POM conjugate (Figure S5, Supporting Information). The SEM images (Figures b and S6, Supporting Information) display the morphology of Co5POM, PVIM–Co5POM conjugate, and PVIM–Co5POM/NCNT composite. It can be seen from the images that Co5POM displays no distinguishable structural features and is basically nonconductive resulted in contrast difference because of the electrostatic charge accumulation on the surface (Figure S6). The optical images of Na12Co5POM and PVIM-Co5POM conjugate in Figure S6c (Supporting Information) reveal the dark green crystals, which forms light green concrete solid after the exchange of cation with PVIM, in which PVIM acts as a binder. The same aggregation of the PVIM–Co5POM conjugate can be seen in SEM images (Figure S6, Supporting Information). However, after the physical mixing of NCNTs with PVIM–Co5POM resulted in the formation of fairly homogeneous layer around the NCNTs (Figure ).

Figure 2

FE-SEM images of (a) NCNTs, (b) and (c) PVIM–Co5POM/NCNT composite at lower and higher magnification, respectively.

The elemental surface composition of PVIM–Co5POM/NCNT composite material investigated using XPS. The XPS survey scan revealed the presence of carbon (C), oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), tungsten (W), and cobalt (Co) (Figure S7, Supporting Information). Figure a represents C 1s XP spectra of the composite, and the spectra were deconvoluted into four components. The two main peaks at 284.2 and 285.0 were attributed to sp-hybridized graphite-like carbon (C–C sp2) and sp-hybridized diamond-like carbon (C–C sp) respectively overlapping with sp carbon bound to nitrogen (N–C sp) present in the NCNTs as well as in PVIM. The peaks at 286.2 and 288.1 were assigned to carbon–oxygen functional groups (labeled as C–O, C=O and −COO). The N1s XP spectra (Figure b) exhibits three main peaks, one at the lowest binding energy (398.5 eV) can be attributed to pyridinic nitrogen (N1), the peak at 399.5 eV originates from pyrrolic nitrogen (N2), and the higher binding energy peak at 400.4 eV assigned to quaternary group (N3) present in NCNTs and in PVIM. The O 1s shows two peaks at 530.5 and 532.7 eV corresponding to the metaloxide and hydroxyl (−OH) groups respectively in Co5POM and NCNTs (Figure c). The Co 2p spectra in Figure S8 (Supporting Information) shows doublet peaks originating from Co5POM consisting of Co2p1/2 and Co2p3/2 Co–oxygen bond. The W 4f spectra show doublet peak originating from Co5POM consisting of W 4f7/2 and 4f5/2 at a binding energy of 35.4 and 37.5 eV, respectively (Figure d).

Figure 3

Deconvoluted XP spectra of (a) C 1s, (b) N 1s, (c) O 1s, and (d) W 4f for the PVIM–Co5POM/NCNT composite.

Electrochemical Studies

To probe the selectivity of the synthesized composite materials toward the electrochemical detection of DA, initially cyclic voltammetric (CV) experiments were performed. Preliminary measurements were carried out using PVIM–Co5POM conjugate drop-coated on a graphite electrode and CV measurements were performed in 0.1 M phosphate-buffered solution (PBS; pH 7.0) containing 500 μM AA and 50 μM DA at a scan rate of 75 mV s–1. Figure a reveals the formation of redox peaks centered at 210 and 168 mV corresponding to oxidation of DA to dopaminoquinone and subsequent reduction to DA respectively. However, no peaks with respect to oxidation of AA was observed in CV, and a feeble peak was observed for AA in differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) (Figure b) and the lower detection limit was found to be 10 μM (Figure a). Despite the selective behavior, PVIM–Co5POM conjugate suffers from a broadened electrochemical response for DA oxidation attributed to the sluggish electron-transfer kinetics. Functionalized CNTs were incorporated to improve the electron-transfer process. Depending upon the nature of the functionalities present within the CNTs, it is possible to mediate and tune the sensitivity toward DA determination and electron transfer across the interface.

Figure 4

(a) Cyclic voltammograms, (b) corresponding DPV, and (c) EIS of various catalysts on graphite electrode in 0.1 M PBS (pH 7.0) solution containing 500 μM AA and 50 μM DA performed at a scan rate of 75 mV s–1, counter electrode (CE): Pt wire, reference electrode (RE): Ag/AgCl/3 M KCl.

Figure 5

Differential pulse voltammograms of (a) PVIM–Co5POM; (b,c) PVIM–Co5POM/NCNT-400 at a step potential 10 mV, pulse amplitude of 2 mV, pulse width of 500 ms, and scan rate of 10 mV s–1; and (d) EIS of PVIM–Co5POM/NCNT-400 in 0.1 M PBS (pH 7.0) solution containing 500 μM AA and various concentrations of DA (inset lower concentration of DA); CE: Pt wire; and RE: Ag/AgCl/3 M KCl.

The PVIM–Co5POM conjugate was taken in combination with various NCNTs (NCNT-200, NCNT-400, and NCNT-600, detailed in the Supporting Information) designated as PVIM–Co5POM/NCNT composite (synthesis detailed in Experimental Section) and performed the analysis under similar conditions. As expected, both PVIM–Co5POM/NCNT-400 and PVIM–Co5POM/NCNT-200 shows well-behaved redox behavior however, the higher redox current was observed for PVIM–Co5POM/NCNT-400 composite, as shown in CV (Figure a). The differential activity towards electro-oxidation of DA could be because of the kinetics of the interfacial charge-transfer process, which in turn relates to the electron transfer at the electrode–electrolyte interface and was further studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).

As evident from Figure c, the Rct (charge-transfer resistance) is lower for PVIM–Co5POM/NCNT-400 composite compared to the other two catalysts. The higher Rct at PVIM–Co5POM indicates dominance of sluggish kinetics because of the resistance at electrode–electrolyte interface. This fortifies the fact that the PVIM–Co5POM/NCNT-400 composite reveals faster kinetics towards electro-oxidation of DA because of the facilitated electron transport at the catalyst surface.

Further, the sensitivity of the PVIM–Co5POM/NCNT-400 composite was carried out by varying the concentration of DA (500 pM to 600 μM) and keeping AA constant (500 μM). Surprisingly, the PVIM–Co5POM/NCNT-400 depicted in Figure c shows a noticeable peak at a very low concentration of DA (500 pM) and a sharp intense peak at 1 nM. Subsequently, a sharp increase in the oxidation peak current was observed with increase in DA concentration (500 pM to 600 μM, Figure b) demonstrating the superior sensitivity towards the determination of DA. This was further supported by EIS studies (Figure d).

Interestingly, no oxidation peak corresponding to AA was observed even at this high AA concentration of 500 μM indicating that PVIM–Co5POM/NCNT-400 composite inhibits the diffusion of AA toward the electrode surface through plausible repulsive electrostatic interaction between anionic AA and a negatively charged cluster of Co5POM (Scheme ). It is important to note that no significant peak corresponding to the oxidation of AA was observed even with increase in concentration of DA (600 μM, Figure b), demonstrating the complete elimination of AA interference.

Similar experiments using PVIM–Co5POM/NCNT-200 (Figure S10, Supporting Information), PVIM–Co5POM/NCNT-600 composite shows similar behavior but the peak current corresponding to oxidation of DA is lower in both of the cases compared to PVIM–Co5POM/NCNT-400 composite. It is noteworthy to mention that, the lowest detection limit was found to be 1 and 10 μM respectively with the linear detection range of 1–300 μM (Figure S11a) in both of the cases, which is lower than PVIM–Co5POM/NCNT-400 composite. This was further evidenced by EIS studies (Figure S10b, Supporting Information) wherein Rct decreases with increasing concentration of DA (up to 300 μM) and with further increase in DA concentration, Rct increases (Figure S10C), and a shift in Rs (solution resistance) was observed (the oxidation peak current in DPV decreases, figure not shown) indicating the slow kinetics because of the less electron transfer at the electrode–electrolyte interface. Further control experiments using PVIM–Co5POM/oxidized CNT (OCNT)-modified graphite electrode reveals a broadened electrochemical response toward oxidation of DA. Surprisingly, no peak corresponding to the oxidation of DA was observed up to 300 nM concentration of DA, however, a pronounced broadened peak at −30 mV attributed to oxidation of AA was observed. Further increase in the concentration of DA, an additional peak appeared at 100 mV, and peak current increases with the subsequent increase in DA indicates the interference of AA (Figures and S11, Supporting Information).

Figure 6

Differential pulse voltammograms of PVIM–Co5POM/OCNT in 0.1 M PBS (pH 7.0) solution containing 500 μM AA and various concentrations of DA at a step potential 10 mV, pulse amplitude 2 mV, pulse width 500 ms, scan rate 10 mV s–1, CE: Pt wire, and RE: Ag/AgCl/3 M KCl.

The above results demonstrate the excellent sensitivity of PVIM–Co5POM/NCNT-400 composite toward the electrochemical detection of DA with a lowest limit of 500 pM (0.0005 μM) and selectivity with the linear detection range of 0.0005–600 μM (Figure ). This is one of the best catalyst reported so far towards the selective electrochemical detection of DA (comparison tabulated in Table ). The selectivity of the proposed sensor was also assessed in the presence of UA nevertheless, neither significant peak corresponding to the oxidation of UA nor shift in the peak corresponding to the oxidation of DA was observed with a subsequent increase in the concentration of DA (200 μM, Figure S12), demonstrating the complete elimination of UA interference.

Table 1

Comparison of the Sensing Characteristics of the PVIM–Co5POM/NCNT-400-Based Sensor for the Determination of DA Over Different Electrodes

electrode	ratio of AA: DA considered	linear range (μM)	lowest detection limit (μM)	Ref
GA-RGO/AuNPs	250 μM:5 μM	0.01–100.3	0.0026b	(24)
RGO/TiO2	1000 μM:2 μM	2–60	6	(25)
PA6/PAH/MWCNTsa	100 μM:50 μM	1–70	0.15b	(26)
Ag–Pt/pCNFs	400 μM:100 μM	10–500	0.11	(9)
PNT[Cu(aphyhist)4]4+/Nafion	400 μM:40 μM	5–40	2.80	(10)
EDTA-RG/Nafion	10 mM:10 μM	0.2–25	0.01	(27)
3D CNTa-nanoweb	1000 μM:20 μM	1–20		(28)
graphene	1000 μM:4 μM	4–100	2.64	(29)
{PEI/[(P2W17V–CuO)/(CS–Pd)]7/(P2W17V–CuO)}/ITO	1000 μM:10 μM	0.25–217	0.045b	(21)
(POMOF)/rGO	200 μM:50 μM	1–200	0.080b	(20)
PMo11V@GFs	10 μM:2 μM	2–300	0.88	(30)
PVIM–Co5POM/NCNT-400	500 μM:500 pM	500 pM to 600 μM	0.0005(500 pM)	this work

CNT, carbon nanotubes; CNF, carbon nanofibers.

Based on S/N = 3.

The plot of anodic and cathodic peak current with respect to square root of different scan rate reveals the linear response suggesting the electro-oxidation process of DA is the diffusion-controlled reaction (Figures S13–S15, Supporting Information). In an attempt to explore this sensor for practical applications, the PVIM–Co5POM/NCNT-400 composite was analyzed for the detection of DA in real sample using commercially available DA hydrochloride injections (40 mg mL–1) by standard addition method, and the recovery of the sample was in the range of 95–102%, demonstrating the applicability of the PVIM–Co5POM/NCNT-400 composite for real-time analysis as well. Further, the stability of the PVIM–Co5POM/NCNT-400 composite was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry in a solution containing 50 μM DA (Figure S16, Supporting Information), which evidently demonstrates the negligible decay in either current or potential even after 100 consecutive cycles.

The enhanced selective electrochemical response obtained can be attributed to the specific electrostatic interaction between the negatively charged Co5POM and DA (positively charged) through effective stabilization at NCNTs surface. Moreover, the synergistic effect arising from the strong π–π interaction between NCNTs and imidazolium cations of PVIM, along with the electrostatic interaction between PVIM and Co5POM, which further enhances the electrochemical response through accelerating the electron transfer from Co5POM to the electrode surface.[18]

Conclusions

Here, we demonstrated a novel sandwich POM [WCo3(H2O)2(CoW9O34)2]12– and poly(ionic liquid) [PVIM+] in combination with NCNTs as an electrochemical sensor for a highly selective and ultrasensitive detection of DA. The novel PVIM–Co5POM/NCNT-400 composite demonstrates a superior selectivity and sensitivity evident from the DPV studies with a lowest detection limit of 500 pM (500 × 10–12 M). The linear detection range was found to be 500 pM to 600 μM, even in presence of higher concentration of AA (500 μM), demonstrating the complete elimination of AA and UA interference. The ionic polymer acts as a bridge between Co5POM and NCNTs, which provides physical and chemical stability simultaneously to eliminate the interference of AA with increased sensitivity. Employing the efficient heterogenization of Co5POM catalyst by PVIM over NCNTs provides the synergy between PVIM–POM catalyst and NCNTs, which enhances the electron transport at the electrode/electrolyte interface and eliminates the interference of AA and UA at physiological pH (7.4).

Experimental Section

Materials

All of the reagents and solvents used in the synthesis of Na12[Co5POM] and PVIMBr were purchased from Alfa Aesar; KCl, KH2PO4, K2HPO4, and isopropyl alcohol were from Merck. Dopamine hydrochloride (>99% crystalline) and ascorbic acid (99% crystalline) were from Sigma-Aldrich and dopamine hydrochloride injections (40 mg mL–1) were purchased from Neon Laboratories Ltd. Carbon nanotubes were purchased from Applied Science, USA. The aqueous solutions were prepared using deionized water obtained from a Millipore system (>12 MΩ cm–1). PBS (0.1 M) was prepared from the stock solutions of 0.1 M KH2PO4 and 0.1 M K2HPO4.

Synthesis

Poly(1-vinylbutylimidazolium bromide) (PVIMBr)

Synthesis of poly(1-vinylbutylimidazolium bromide) (PVIMBr) was performed as follows, according to our previously reported procedure.[18]

Poly(1-vinylimidazole) (1)

A Schlenk tube was charged with 1-vinylimidazole (0.941 g, 10.00 mmol), azobis(isobutyronitrile) (1.0 wt %, 0.013 g), and 4.0 mL of dry toluene. The mixture was degassed under vacuum using three freeze–thaw cycles, and the presence of oxygen, if any, was removed by argon purging for 30 min. The reaction mixture was heated at 70 °C for 24 h. The obtained solid was purified using diethyl ether and dried under vacuum to yield 1 as a white powder (0.750 g, 80%). The synthesized polymer is soluble in water and methanol but insoluble in chloroform, tetrahydrofuran, and toluene. 1H NMR (D2O, δ ppm) (Figure S1, Supporting Information): 7.06–6.64 (broad, 3H, imidazole ring proton), 3.74–2.57 (broad, 1H), 2.12–1.9 (broad, 2H).

Poly(1-vinylbutyl imidazolium bromide) [PVIMBr] (2)

A Schlenk tube fitted with a condenser was charged with poly(1-vinylimidazole) 1 (0.339 g, 3.62 mmol), n-butyl bromide (0.543 g, 3.98 mmol), and dry methanol. The reaction mixture was heated at 60 °C for 48 h and further added to acetone to obtain a precipitate of 2 (0.772 g, 92.3%). 1H NMR (DMSO-d6, δ ppm) (Figure S2, Supporting Information): 9.61 (broad, 1H, NCHN), 7.83–7.73 (broad, 2H, NCHCHN), 4.12–3.84 (broad, 4H), 2.51–2.49 (broad, 2H), 1.84 (broad, 2H), 1.33 (broad, 2H), 0.94 (broad, 2H).

Na12[WCo3(H2O)2(CoW9O34)2]

The Na12[WCo3(H2O)2(CoW9O34)2] denoted as Na12[Co5POM] was synthesized under microwave heating for the first time[22] (detailed experimental parameters are given in Table S2, Supporting Information). A mixture of Na2WO4·2H2O (16.000 g, 48.48 mmol), 60 mL of H2O, and 2 mL of conc. HNO3 was taken in a microwave reaction vessel and microwave irradiated for 30 min at 80–85 °C. After cooling, solid Co(NO3)2·6H2O (3.656 g, 12.56 mmol) was added and further microwave irradiated for 30 min at 85–90 °C. The obtained hot solution was filtered, and the filtrate was subjected to crystallization. After 2–3 days, deep-green-colored needle-shaped crystals were collected by filtration. The obtained crystals were recrystallized from water, collected by filtration, and dried at ∼80 °C under high vacuum to obtain Na12[WCo3(H2O)2(CoW9O34)2] and designated as (Co5POM). (Yield: 1.562 g, 0.30 mmol, 48.38%). FT-IR (cm–1): 1622, 1388, 916, 858, 684, 531.

PVIM–Co5POM Conjugate

[PVIM][Co5POM] conjugate was prepared by ion-exchange method. In a Schlenk tube, Na12[Co5POM] was taken and dissolved in 10 mL of water to get a clear greenish solution. A solution of PVIMBr (dissolved in 15 mL water) was added slowly to the resulting solution. Immediately, the clear solution becomes coagulated, and it was then heated to 80 °C for 2 h. The resultant emulsion suspension was cooled to room temperature and filtered through frit (the clear colorless filtrate indicates the formation of the desired conjugate). After that, it was washed with water and dried at ∼70 °C under high vacuum to get greenish colored [PVIM][Co5POM] conjugate (yield 0.328 g, 0.05 mmol, 83.3%).

Synthesis of NCNTs

CNTs with inner diameters of 20–50 nm and outer diameters of 70–200 nm were obtained from Applied Sciences Inc. (Ohio, USA). Nitrogen functional groups were introduced to OCNTs (synthesis detailed in Supporting Information) by heating under ammonia with a total flow rate of 25 sccm at 200, 400, and 600 °C for 6 h and are designated as NCNT-200, NCNT-400, and NCNT-600, respectively, (details given in the Supporting Information).[23]

Physical Characterization

SC-XRD Studies

The crystal structure of the synthesized Co5POM was probed using single graphite-monochromated Mo Kα radiation (λ = 0.71073 Å) on a Bruker D8 SMART APEX2 CMOS diffractometer at 293 K. Data integration was performed using SAINT. SIR97 was used to solve the structure, and the refinement was performed using SHELXL 2013. The obtained structure was corrected using routine Lorentz and polarization corrections, and empirical absorption corrections were performed using SADABS. The crystal data and refinement parameters are compiled and are given in Table S3 (Supporting Information). CIF file for the Na12[Co5POM] is deposited with the Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre (CCDC no. 1558372).

Morphology and Elemental Analysis

The morphology of the Na12[Co5POM], PVIM–Co5POM, and PVIM–Co5POM/NCNT composites was analyzed using field-emission scanning electron microscope (ZEISS, Sigma VP FE-SEM). FT-IR spectra (2% sample in KBr) were recorded using a Bruker TENSOR-II spectrometer in the range of 600–4000 cm–1 with a spectral resolution of 4 cm–1 and 100 scans. FT-IR data were collected and analyzed by OPUS. UV–vis measurements were performed using Shimadzu UV-2600 spectrophotometer.

XPS of the catalyst materials were recorded (PHI VersaProbe II Spectrometer) in an ultrahigh vacuum chamber at 10–9 Torr using Al Kα radiation (hν = 1486.6 eV). The measurements were performed at a pass energy of 200 eV. The spectra were calibrated with respect to C (1s) peak at 284.5 eV with a precision of ±0.2 eV.

Electrochemical Studies

All of the electrochemical experiments were performed in a single-compartment electrochemical cell with three electrode assembly consisting of a graphite electrode (Ø3 mm) as the working electrode hosting the catalyst, Pt wire as the CE, and Ag/AgCl/3 M KCl as the RE. Prior to each experiment, graphite electrodes were polished using different grits of emery paper and washed thoroughly using deionized water, which was further ultrasonicated in deionized water for 5 min to remove any physisorbed particles. The PVIM–Co5POM/NCNTs composite slurry was prepared by homogeneously grinding the mixture of PVIM–Co5POM and NCNTs (synthesis detailed in the Supporting Information) (1.25 mg, 70:30 wt %) using pestle and mortar for 1 h, and the obtained product was dispersed in a mixture of isopropyl alcohol (IPA, 20 μL) and deionized water (480 μL, 12 MΩ) and further sonicated for 30–40 min. The 20 μL (50 μg) of the obtained slurry was drop-coated over polished graphite electrode and dried at room temperature. The electrochemical measurements were performed using Bio-Logic (VSP 300), and DPV measurements were carried out at pulse amplitude of 2 mV, pulse width of 500 ms, and step potential of 10 mV at a scan rate of 10 mV s–1. The EIS measurements were performed at a DC voltage of 150 mV over a frequency range between 10 MHz and 10 μHz. All measurements were repeated at least 5 times.