Recent Advances in Design and Fabrication of Highly Active Nanozymes

Owing to their facile synthesis, low cost, excellent stability, and tunable activity, nanomaterials with enzyme-mimicking activities (nanozymes) are becoming robust alternatives to natural enzymes. However, the poor activity and relatively low selectivity of nanozymes have seriously limited their rapid development. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of experimental phenomena and catalytic mechanisms is urgently needed to move away from the traditional trial-and-error approach and develop more efficient nanozymes through rational design. So far, numerous studies have shown that the catalytic performance of nanozymes is significantly correlated with many factors, such as their size, exposed crystalline surface, element composition, and surface defects. This chapter aims to elucidate the structure-activity relationships of nanozymes, elucidate the key factors influencing their catalytic behaviors, and provide insights and ideas for designing and developing highly active nanozymes.