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 Fe3O4 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. [Display omitted] •Zn(II)-complex-based nanozymes were constructed by using the nanoprecipitation technique.•Zn(II)-complex-based nanozymes efficiently catalyzed the hydrolysis of carboxylic esters and methyl parathion.•The incorporation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles into Zn(II)-complex-based nanozymes enabled easier recovery and reuse.•These nanozymes may find application in the hydrolysis of hazardous carboxylic esters and phosphate esters.