Light-Responsive Nanozymes: From Photophysical Mechanisms to Innovative Applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Catalysis
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Traditional nanozymes face limitations like slow kinetics and environmental sensitivity.
• Light-responsive nanozymes integrate photophysical processes with biocatalytic functions for improved performance.
• Optical switches in nanozymes overcome inherent drawbacks of conventional catalysts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze photophysical enhancement mechanisms in light-responsive nanozymes.
• To summarize recent advances in material design and classification of these nanozymes.
• To present applications and future prospects of light-responsive nanozymes.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of photothermal effect, photogenerated charge transfer (CT), and energy transfer (ET) mechanisms.
• Review of material design focusing on 0D nanomaterials, porous frameworks, single-atom catalysts (SACs), and heterojunctions.
• Compilation of applications in environmental protection, food safety, and biomedicine.

Main Results:

• Photophysical mechanisms like photothermal effect, CT, and ET significantly enhance nanozyme activity.
• Diverse nanomaterials including 0D, porous frameworks, SACs, and heterojunctions show promise.
• Light-responsive nanozymes demonstrate broad applicability in critical societal areas.

Conclusions:

• Light-responsive nanozymes represent a significant advancement in artificial catalysis.
• Future research should focus on overcoming current challenges and exploring new opportunities.
• This field holds substantial potential for innovation in environmental, food, and biomedical applications.