A non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor composed of nano-berry shaped cobalt oxide nanostructures on a glassy carbon electrode for uric acid detection

Abstract

Nanomaterial-based sensors are in demand for early-stage disease detection as a diagnostic tool. Here, we prepare a non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor using hydrothermally synthesized nano-berry shaped cobalt oxide (Co₃O₄) nanostructures on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The structural properties, composition, and electrochemical performance of the prepared nanomaterial were characterized. The fabricated non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor (Co₃O₄ nano-berries/GCE) showed excellent sensing performance; for example, high sensitivity (206 μA mM⁻¹ cm⁻²) in a wide detection range (5–3000 μM), and a low limit of detection (∼2.4 μM) towards uric acid. Additionally, we characterized other properties, such as fabrication reproducibility, stability, and selectivity. This work demonstrates the non-enzymatic electrochemical detection of uric acid with high sensing performances. Nano-berry shaped Co₃O₄ nanostructures promoted the sensor performance and prospects in early-stage disease diagnosis.