Reconciling the reactivity-biocompatibility trade-off in nanoscale zero-valent iron with an amorphous core and pseudocapacitive biointerface for enhanced anaerobic methanogenesis

Key Points

• Enhanced anaerobic methanogenesis occurs with improved biocompatibility and reactivity in iron nanomaterials.
• A significant increase in methane production by 67% was observed compared to controls in short-term experiments.
• This study employs a novel nanoscale zero-valent iron with amorphous core to promote reactivity and biocompatibility.
• Findings highlight the balance between reactivity and biocompatibility, offering opportunities for environmental applications.