Mechanistic studies on versatile metal-assisted hydrogen peroxide activation processes for biomedical and environmental incentives

Abstract This article focuses on the versatile ways in which hydrogen peroxide can be activated by metal ions and metal compounds, in terms of possible biomedical and environmental applications and future incentives in these areas. Mechanistic studies performed in our group are discussed in reference to related studies reported in the literature. It covers various thermal activation pathways, including Fenton and Fenton-like reactions, the application of iron, manganese and other metals complexes, as well as metalloenzymes. Furthermore, light-induced generation, activation and utilization of hydrogen peroxide are presented for the photo-Fenton reactions, the application of macrocyclic photosensitizers and the use of semiconductors such as TiO 2 as heterogeneous photosensitizers. Mechanistic aspects of several thermal and photochemical pathways in metal-assisted hydrogen peroxide applications for biomedical or environmental purposes are discussed, and some obstacles to be overcome are highlighted.