Cobalt(II)-tin(IV) hydroxide with structurally emerged alloy for enhanced electrochemical sensitivity and selectivity toward non-enzymatic detection of uric acid

Uric acid (UA), a major biomarker implicated in multiple metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, necessitates the development of high-performance sensing platforms for routine health monitoring. Herein, a CoSnOH/Mo nanocomposite was synthesized via a two-step hydrothermal route to construct an active sensing interface for non-enzymatic electrochemical detection of UA. Morphological characterization showed that the Mo-induced composite exhibited a well-defined microcube structure featuring an emerged Co–Mo alloy phase, which improved the structural stability of the modified electrode and provided accessible sites for the adsorption and subsequent oxidation of UA. Electrochemical studies demonstrated that the presence of a Co–Mo alloy phase promoted interfacial charge transfer and enhanced the electrocatalytic oxidation of UA through a two-electron/two-proton process. Under the optimized conditions, the as-prepared sensor exhibited a wide linear range of 1–1000 μM and a low detection limit of 0.34 μM (S/N = 3). Furthermore, the proposed sensor showed good selectivity toward UA against coexisting interfering species, alongside satisfactory fabrication reproducibility and long-term stability. Reliable UA detection in simulated urine and saliva samples further validated the high practical potential of the designed sensor. Accordingly, this feasible strategy for enhancing the electroanalytical capability of hydroxides offers a promising route for the development of next-generation sensing materials.