Chiral Cu_xCo_yS-Cu_zS Nanoflowers with Bioinspired Enantioselective Catalytic Performances

Nanomaterials with biomimetic catalytic abilities have attracted significant attention. However, the stereoselectivity of natural enzymes determined by their unique configurations is difficult to imitate. In this work, a kind of chiral Cu_xCo_yS-Cu_zS nanoflowers (L/D-Pen-NFs) is developed, using porous Cu_xCo_yS nanoparticles (NPs) as stamens, Cu_zS sheets as petals, and chiral penicillamine as surface stabilizers. Compared to the natural laccase enzyme, L/D-Pen-NFs exhibit significant advantages in catalytic efficiency, stability against harsh environments, recyclability, and convenience in construction. Most importantly, they display high enantioselectivity toward chiral neurotransmitters, which is proved by L- and D-Pen-NFs' different catalytic efficiencies toward chiral enantiomers. L-Pen-NFs are more efficient in catalyzing the oxidation of L-epinephrine and L-dopamine compared with D-Pen-NFs. However, their catalytic efficiency in oxidizing L-norepinephrine and L-DOPA is lower than that of D-Pen-NFs. The reason for the difference in catalytic efficiency is the distinct binding affinities between Cu_xCo_yS-Cu_zS nano-enantiomers and chiral molecules. This work can spur the development of chiral nanostructures with biomimetic functions.