Synthesis and Peroxidase-like Activity of 2D FeB Nanozyme for Antioxidant Detection: An Undergraduate Open Platform Practice Course

Nanozymes have garnered widespread concern due to their broad application prospects in molecular detection, disease diagnosis, and treatment. To cultivate the practical innovation skills of undergraduates, an undergraduate open platform practical course related to the synthesis, characterization, and peroxidase-like activity of novel 2D FeB nanozymes and their applications in detecting antioxidants was thoughtfully designed. A liquid molten salt method was first developed for the synthesis of high-purity single-phase 2D FeB nanozymes, utilizing thermodynamic principles (Gibbs free energy and chemical potential) taught in physical chemistry courses to overcome challenges in material synthesis. The raw materials used are easily accessible, and the synthesis procedure is straightforward and safe. Students characterized the nanozymes using standard undergraduate-level techniques such as transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. Additionally, machine learning methods were integrated to analyze sample detection results, significantly enhancing detection efficiency and accuracy. By bridging cutting-edge nanomaterials with daily life relevance, this course strengthens students’ technical expertise, interdisciplinary problem-solving skills, and collaborative innovation.