@article{Huang2025, 
author = {Sijun Huang and Tianqi Zhang and Shiyin Hong and Dechen Zhang and Yanping Zhao and Miao Li and Ying Wang and Xuewu Liu and Yi Guo and Li Xu},
title = {Engineered built-in electric fields in Cu0/CuOx nanozyme-decorated silicon nanodisks for the degradation of phenols and dyes},
year = {2025},
journal = {Nano Research},
volume = {18},
number = {3},
pages = {94907239},
keywords = {nanozyme, built-in electric field, laccase mimic, oxidation removal},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.26599/NR.2025.94907239},
doi = {10.26599/NR.2025.94907239},
abstract = {Laccase has demonstrated potential for the treatment of hazardous pollutants; however, its widespread application is hindered by stability issues. In contrast, nanozymes, with their remarkable stability, present a promising alternative. In this study, we developed silicon-anchored Cu0/CuOx nanozymes exhibiting laccase-like activity for the oxidation removal of phenols and dyes. The valence states of the copper species, which emerged through spontaneous oxidation, played a crucial role in creating a heterogeneous interface, exerting a significant impact on the catalytic efficacy of the copper nanozymes. By employing density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we revealed that the existence of a local built-in electric field (BIEF) among the heterogeneous components facilitated the cyclic consumption of Cu0 and the migration of lattice oxygen. This dynamic interplay modulated the levels of Cu+ and oxygen vacancies (OVs), thereby allowing for sustained catalytic performance within a defined period. Our findings underscore the importance of valence engineering in the rational design of nanozymes and highlight their potential as efficient catalysts for advancing environmental sustainability.}
}