Copper nanoclusters as peroxidase mimetics and their applications to H2O2 and glucose detection

► Copper nanoclusters exhibit peroxidase-like activity for the first time. ► They can catalyze the oxidation of TMB by H2O2 to produce a blue color reaction. ► They have high stability and activity under harsh conditions. ► Copper nanocluster-based colorimetric assays for H2O2 and glucose were developed.