Zn(II)-complex-based hydrolytic nanozymes prepared by nanoprecipitation for the hydrolysis of carboxylic esters and methyl parathion

Zn(II)-complex-based nanozymes have been extensively used for the cleavage of carboxylic esters and phosphate esters. Cooperativity between neighboring Zn(II) complexes is of paramount importance for the development of Zn(II)-complex-based nanozymes with excellent efficiency. Here, we have developed a controllable synthetic strategy for the construction of Zn(II)-complex-based nanozymes by using the nanoprecipitation technique, which could bring Zn(II) complexes in close proximity and regulate their microenvironments. Linear copolymers containing di(2-picolyl)amine moieties were used for the preparation of Zn(II)-complex-based nanozymes by the coordination between di(2-picolyl)amine and Zn(II) ion. These Zn(II)-complex-based nanozymes displayed excellent catalytic performance in the hydrolysis of carboxylic esters. Moreover, hydrophobic Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles could be incorporated into Zn(II)-complex-based nanozymes via the one-step nanoprecipitation approach, enabling the recovery of nanozymes by using a permanent magnet. Such nanozymes effectively catalyzed the hydrolysis of methyl parathion , which is highly resistant to spontaneous hydrolysis and is extremely hazardous. These nanozymes may find application in the hydrolysis of hazardous carboxylic esters and phosphate esters.