Characterization and functional assessment of a cobalt(III)-oxo cubane cluster water oxidation catalyst immobilized on ITO

A cobalt(III) oxo cubane water oxidation catalyst, a structural mimic of the natural oxygen-evolving center, was immobilized on indium tin oxide (ITO) to promote recycling. The structure and composition of the complex were characterized by Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, surface FT-IR, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry was used to assess catalyst functionality, stability, and recyclability. The results showed that this catalyst can be successfully immobilized on ITO, and that the complex functions in the same manner as the free catalyst in solution. This separation of synthesis and immobilization has great potential for optimizing heterogeneous catalysts. (C) 2014 Published by Elsevier B.V.