In-situ electrochemical fabrication of holey graphene oxide and oxo-functionalized graphene for electrochemical sensing

• Holey graphene oxide and oxo-functionalized graphene were in-situ generated. • The in-situ generated interface exhibits excellent performances for UA, AA, and DA. • Mechanisms of in-situ generation and anti-fouling capability have been investigated. The in-situ electrochemical generation method streamlines the synthesis of active materials directly onto the electrode surface, which enhances the electrical connection and minimizes interface resistance. This approach not only simplifies the modification process but also significantly enhances signal stability and reproducibility in electrochemical sensing. Here, holey graphene oxide and oxo-functionalized graphene were in-situ generated by an electrochemical method in a green and mild solution. The active interfaces were explored for the electrochemical sensing of dopamine, ascorbic acid and uric acid, focusing on electroactivity, antifouling, selectivity, and background noise. Findings reveal the crucial role of oxo-functional groups and defects at the interfaces in determining the sensor's performance, highlighting a trade-off between high sensitivity and antifouling capability/selectivity.