Nanomaterials-modulated Fenton reactions: Strategies, chemodynamic therapy and future trends

The Fenton reaction refers to the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by ferrous ions (Fe2+) to generate hydroxyl radicals (·OH). Due to the strong oxidizing capacities of ·OH, the Fenton reaction is widely used in the treatment of refractory organic pollutants and chemodynamic therapy (CDT). However, the traditional Fenton reaction has various limitations, for example, the optimum operation pH value is about 3, and the reaction rate is limited by the lack of the Fenton reagent. Therefore, the nanomaterial-modulated Fenton (NMM-Fenton) reaction has been extensively studied to improve the efficiency of the Fenton reaction. In this review, the mechanisms and strategies of the NMM-Fenton reaction are systematically reviewed, including the conventional Fenton reaction and the external energy input Fenton reaction. First, the process of the Fenton reaction is briefly introduced, including the Fenton reaction and Fenton-like reaction. Then, the enhancement mechanism of nanomaterials on the NMM-Fenton and the construction of the NMM-Fenton strategy are discussed, and their biological applications are summarized in detail. Finally, the challenges and future directions of NMM-Fenton and NMM-Fenton-based applications in CDT are described. It is believed that this paper is of great significance to the design and construction of the Fenton reaction.