Recent advances in cobalt-based bimetallic metal-organic framework-derived nanozymes for environmental protection

The escalating release of hazardous organic pollutants, including synthetic dyes, agricultural pesticides, and pharmaceutical antibiotics, has posed severe threats to both environmental ecosystems and public health. Thus, there is an urgent need for advanced detection methodologies and remediation technologies to effectively monitor and degrade these environmental contaminants. In this regard, bimetallic MOF (BMOF)-nanozymes have been investigated as a promising branch of nanozymes, because the strategic incorporation of mixed metals enhances catalytic functionality by simultaneously increasing active site density while improving structural integrity and catalytic efficiency through synergistic electronic interactions. Among them, cobalt (Co)-based MOFs exhibit excellent redox activity owing to their accessible Co centers, facilitating efficient electron transfer through multiple oxidation states (Co⁺ to Co⁴⁺) during catalytic conversions. Herein, the fabrication of Co-based BMOF-derived nanozymes and their applications in the environmental field, including contaminant detection and degradation, have been discussed. Furthermore, the intricate interplay between the physicochemical properties and catalytic performance of Co-based BMOF-derived nanozymes was systematically examined. Moreover, the new challenges and future research prospects are highlighted to help gain advancement in the environmental field based on Co-based BMOF-derived nanozymes.