Convergent paths: a metal-free carbon nanozyme for highly efficient ascorbic acid oxidation

Abstract

A metal-free N-doped carbon nanozyme was prepared employing an ionic conjugated porous polymer as the pyrolysis precursor. It exhibits excellent dual enzyme-like activity toward the oxidation of ascorbic acid, along with exceptional stability. Mechanistic studies reveal a kinetic-dependent dual role (antioxidant/pro-oxidant) of ascorbic acid in the nanozyme-mediated oxidation reaction.