Mn/CeO₂ Nanozyme Enables Effective Wall Painting Protection by Eliminating Reactive Oxygen Species

As invaluable components of cultural heritage, wall paintings have long been subjected to progressive deterioration. Among various conservation strategies, the development and application of effective consolidation materials play important roles in preserving the mural integrity. Despite advances in organic and inorganic consolidants, current formulations often fall short in meeting the stringent requirements of compatibility, durability, and preventive protection. In this study, we propose a novel dual-functional protective material Mn/CeO₂@Ca(OH)₂ by integrating nano Ca(OH)₂ with a Mn/CeO₂-based nanozyme. The nanohybrid system makes full use of the structural reinforcement capabilities of Ca(OH)₂ and the photocatalytic and reactive oxygen species scavenging functions of Mn/CeO₂ to simultaneously stabilize the pathways of the mural matrix and mitigate ultraviolet-induced degradation. The synergistic interaction between the nanozyme and the consolidant effectively interrupts photo-oxidative chain reactions, leading to a significantly enhanced conservation performance compared with conventional nano Ca(OH)₂ materials. This work introduces a new paradigm in mural conservation by employing enzyme-mimicking nanomaterials for both structural reinforcement and preventive protection, offering promising prospects for the preservation of cultural heritage.