The optoelectrical and magnetic characteristics of naturally existing iron-based nanostructures, especially hematite and magnetite nanoparticles (H-NPs and M-NPs), gained significant research interest in various applications, recently. The main purpose of this Review is to provide an overview of the utilization of H-NPs and M-NPs in various environmental remediation. Iron-based NPs are extensively explored to generate green energy from environmental friendly processes such as water splitting and CO2 conversion to hydrogen and low molecular weight hydrocarbons, respectively. The latter part of the Review provided a critical overview to use H-NPs and M-NPs for the detection and decontamination of inorganic and organic contaminants to counter the environmental pollution and toxicity challenge, which could ensure environmental sustainability and hygiene. Some of the future perspectives are comprehensively presented in the final portion of the script, optimiztically, and it is supported by some relevant literature surveys to predict the possible routes of H-NPs and M-NPs modifications that could enable researchers to use these NPs in more advanced environmental applications. The literature collection and discussion on the critical assessment of reserving the environmental sustainability challenges provided in this Review will be useful not only for experienced researchers but also for novices in the field.

Among several anions, iodide (I−) ions play a crucial role in human biological activities. In it's molecular form (I2), iodine is utilized for several industrial applications such as syntheses of medicines, fabric dyes, food additives, solar cell electrolytes, catalysts, and agrochemicals. The excess or deficiency of I− ions in the human body and environmental samples have certain consequences. Therefore, the selective and sensitive detection of I− ions in the human body and environment is vital for monitoring their overall profile. Amongst various analytical techniques for the estimation of I− ions, optical–chemical sensing possesses the merits of high sensitivity, selectivity, and utilizing the least amount of sensing materials. The distinctive aims of this manuscript are (i) To comprehensively review the development of optical chemical sensors (fluorescent & colorimetric) reported between 2001–2021 using organic fluorescent molecules, supramolecular materials, conjugated polymers, and metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs). (ii) To illustrate the design and synthetic strategies to create specific binding and high affinity of I− ions which could help minimize negative consequences associated with its large size and high polarizability. (iii) The challenges associated with sensitivity and selectivity of I− ions in aqueous and real samples. The probable future aspects concerning the optical chemical detection of I− ions have also been discussed in detail.

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