Hierarchical gold-platinum nanothorns (Au-Pt HTs) were prepared on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) by one-step co-electrodeposition of HAuCl4 and H2PtCl6 with the assistance of N-methylimdazole as a growth-directing agent. This method was simple, facile and controllable, without any seed, template or surfactant. The experimental parameters including the dosage of the precursors and N-methylimdazole, electrodeposition potential and time were investigated in details. Furthermore, the as-prepared Au-Pt HTs displayed enhanced electrocatalytic activity and better stability toward ethylene glycol oxidation in alkaline media, compared with polycrystalline Au nanoparticles. Meanwhile, after self-assembly of 4-mercaptophenyl boronic acid (4-MBA), the functionalized Au-Pt HTs were explored for sensitive detection of glucose as highly Raman-active substrates. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.