Available data on the iron-containing nanomaterials are reviewed. Main attention is paid to the following themes: synthetic methods, structures, composition and properties of the nano zerovalent iron (NZVI), and polymorphic forms of iron oxides and FeOOH. Synthetic methods summarized here include a series of physico-chemical methods such as microwave heating, electrodeposition, laser ablation, radiolytical techniques, arc discharge, metal-membrane incorporation, pyrolysis, combustion, reverse micelle and co-deposition routes. We have also included a few “greener” methods. Coated, doped, supported with polymers or inert inorganic materials, core–shell nanostructures, in particular those of iron and its oxides with gold, are discussed. Studies of remediation involving iron-containing nanomaterials are discussed and special attention is paid to the processes of remediation of organic contaminants (chlorine-containing pollutants, benzoic and formic acids, dyes) and inorganic cations (Zn(II), Cu(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II)) and anions (nitrates, bromates, arsenates). Water disinfection (against viruses and bacteria), toxicity and risks of iron nanomaterials application are also examined.

Recent applications of ferrite nanoparticles as catalysts in organic processes are reviewed. Catalytic applications include the use of mainly cobalt, nickel, copper, and zinc ferrites, as well as their mixed-metal combinations with Cr, Cd, Mn and sometimes some lanthanides. Core–shell nanostructures with silica and titania are also used without loss of magnetic properties. The ferrite nanomaterials are obtained mainly by wet-chemical sol-gel or co-precipitation methods, more rarely by the sonochemical technique, mechanical high-energy ball milling, spark plasma sintering, microwave heating or hydrothermal route. Catalytic processes with application of ferrite nanoparticles include decomposition (in particular photocatalytic), reactions of dehydrogenation, oxidation, alkylation, C–C coupling, among other processes. Ferrite nano catalysts can be easily recovered from reaction systems and reused up to several runs almost without loss of catalytic activity