JOURNAL OF CHILEAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY

Vol 71 No 1 (2026): Journal of The Chilean Chemical Society - Special Issue in Tribute to Professor Mario Silva (In Memoriam)
Reviews

NANOSTRUCTURED CUPRIC OXIDE AS A PHOTOCATALYST IN THE DECONTAMINATION OF ORGANIC DYES: A REVIEW

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  • Maria Luisa Valenzuela Valdes,
  • Carlos Diaz,
  • María Ignacia Salas,
  • Marjorie Segovia
Maria Luisa Valenzuela Valdes
Universidad Autonoma de Chile
Carlos Diaz
Universidad de Chile
Marjorie Segovia
Advanced Integrated technologies, AINTECH
Published August 2, 2026
Keywords
  • Photocatalyst, CuO, Environmental remediation, solid state.
How to Cite
Valenzuela Valdes, M. L., Diaz, C., Salas, M. I., & Segovia, M. (2026). NANOSTRUCTURED CUPRIC OXIDE AS A PHOTOCATALYST IN THE DECONTAMINATION OF ORGANIC DYES: A REVIEW. Journal of the Chilean Chemical Society, 71(1), 6470 - 6483. Retrieved from https://jcchems.com/index.php/JCCHEMS/article/view/2995

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Abstract

The issue of freshwater contamination is a global concern, prompting individuals to seek effective solutions for restoring polluted water environments. Organic dyes are among the various pollutants contributing to this problem. Many of these dyes, commonly used in different industries, are toxic and carcinogenic, posing significant risks to both humans and marine ecosystems. Consequently, the environmental impact of organic dyes has been a focal point of extensive research in recent years. Heterogeneous photocatalysis has emerged as a highly effective method for breaking down atmospheric and aquatic organic contaminants, particularly organic dyes. Among the photocatalysts, CuO nanostructures are noteworthy due to their abundance, cost-effectiveness, narrow bandgap, excellent chemical and photochemical stability, and straightforward synthesis. The primary goal is to review the application of copper oxide photocatalysts in decontaminating various organic dyes, with a focus on Methylene blue. The photocatalytic ability of CuO in degrading MB and other dyes is limited, but it improves significantly in the presence of H2O2. Furthermore, CuO nanocrystals with greater exposure of facets {100} and {-121}, and shapes like nanoribbons, ̅enhance their photocatalytic efficiency against MB and other dyes. Additionally, doping CuO with other metallic oxides MxOy, metals M°, and supports such as Graphene, Bentonite, Cellulose carbon nanosheets, and MgAl-layered double hydroxides can further enhance its photocatalytic performance. In many of these nanocomposites, the formation of heterojunctions enhances charge separation of e̅ and h+, leading to increased production of OH× radicals.

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