Nanozyme-Based Analytical Platforms for Environmental Pollutants: Classification, Catalytic Mechanisms, and Multimodal Strategies

Abstract

The precise trace pollutant analysis within complex environmental matrices demands robust, highly specific, and anti-interference analytical platforms. Nanozymes, possessing tunable enzyme-like catalytic activities, superior thermodynamic stability, and cost effectiveness, have emerged as innovative tools in environmental analytical chemistry. This Review systematically discusses the integration of diverse nanozymes (metal, metal oxide, carbon, hybrid-structured, and multimetallic alloy) across foundational analytical methodologies, including colorimetric, fluorometric, electrochemical, chemiluminescence, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering assays. To overcome the matrix interference present in real-world samples, this Review highlights the pivotal evolution from conventional single-signal detection to advanced multimodal sensing approaches. The incorporation of molecular imprinting, microfluidics, and photothermal technologies effectively mitigates matrix interference, enhances mass transfer, and eliminates false positives through multidimensional cross-validation. Furthermore, atomic-level regulation strategies including defect engineering, asymmetric coordination, and high-entropy synergistic effects are presented to address inherent limitations such as catalytic passivation and nanoparticle aggregation. A unified standardization metric framework is also proposed for rigorous analytical performance evaluation. Finally, a perspective is provided on coupling artificial intelligence and machine learning with the nanozyme-based sensing platform, guiding a pathway from empirical trial-and-error to the rational and data-driven design of next-generation intelligent environmental analytical systems.