Conventional methods like chromatography and spectroscopic analysis have limitations in detecting luteolin. However, electrochemical detection shows promise for reliable analysis. In this study, we compared two different morphologies of SnO2 with the same crystal structure for luteolin detection and found that crystal morphology significantly impacts the catalytic reaction. Compared to SnO2 quantum dots (SnO2 QDs), mesoporous SnO2 (m-SnO2) exhibited a larger specific surface area, providing more active sites for oxidation and reduction reactions. Moreover, m-SnO2 had lower impedance, effectively accelerating charge transfer at the electrode surface. Based on these excellent characteristics, m-SnO2/GCE modified electrode demonstrated outstanding performance in detecting luteolin, achieving a sensitivity of 8.5 μA μM-1, a low limit of 0.19 nM and a wide linear range from 0.5 nM to 1,400 nM. Besides, the m-SnO2/GC electrode displayed excellent consistency, reproducibility, durability, repeatability and specificity. Even three-week exposure to atmospheric conditions, the DPV signal stood at 94.1 % of its original peak current. Those enables its excellent application in practical sample detection. This research enhances our understanding of the influence of material structure and interface on catalytic luteolin detection, providing a theoretical foundation for accurate detection in complex systems. These findings should contribute to the development of more efficient, sensitive, and reliable luteolin sensors. Display omitted •A m-SnO2 material with outstanding surface area was synthesized.•The m-SnO2 providing sufficient channels for the movement of luteolin molecules.•The m-SnO2 electrode showed an ultra-low LOD of 0.19 nM.•The m-SnO2 electrode achieved accurate detection in actual samples.