Preparation of per-hydroxylated pillar[5]arene decorated graphene and its electrochemical behavior

Abstract

In the present work, per-hydroxylated pillar[5]arene decorated graphene was prepared and characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and transmission electron microscopy. Meanwhile, the electrochemical behavior of the electrodes coated with the as-prepared graphene derivative was explored in the presence of dopamine, ascorbic acid, uric acid and their mixture. The results indicate that the per-hydroxylated pillar[5]arene molecules are successfully linked onto the surface of graphene. The electrodes coated with the as-prepared graphene derivative possess high sensitivity to dopamine with a detectable concentration of 2.0×10−7 molL−1. More interested, the per-hydroxylated pillar[5]arene decorated graphene exhibits satisfactory capability of molecular recognition for dopamine, ascorbic acid and uric acid. When uric acid and ascorbic acid are present, the redox peaks of dopamine can be conveniently recognized on the electrodes coated with the as-prepared graphene derivative. Finally, the sensitivity and selectivity of the per-hydroxylated pillar[5]arene decorated graphene to dopamine are discussed from the viewpoints of the size/shape-fit concept and hydrogen bond catalysis mechanism.