Fe single-atom catalysts embedded in reduced graphene oxide for the electrochemical detection of uric acid and hydrogen peroxide

Abstract

Small biomolecules are crucial for the maintenance of biochemical homeostasis in living organisms, and the accurate detection of their levels is of great significance. Herein, we prepared a novel composite material, namely, Fe single-atom catalysts embedded in reduced graphene oxide (FeSACs@RGO), and applied it to the electrochemical detection of small biomolecules. FeSACs@RGO integrated the merits of single-atom catalysts with atomically dispersed active sites and reduced graphene oxide with a large specific surface area, thus exhibiting desirable electron transfer capability and electrochemical catalytic performance. The FeSACs@RGO-based electrochemical sensor enabled the sensitive detection of uric acid (UA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The limits of detection for UA and H₂O₂ were 3.06 μM and 5.11 μM, respectively. Moreover, it demonstrated satisfactory selectivity, repeatability and stability. More importantly, the sensor has been successfully applied to detect UA and H₂O₂ in serum samples. This work is expected to provide a reference strategy for the design of sensing materials and further application in detection.