A Review of Innovative Cucurbituril-Based Photocatalysts for Dye Degradation

This review explores the advancements in photocatalysis facilitated by cucurbiturils (CBs), specifically focusing on CB[5], CB[6], CB[7], and CB[8]. Cucurbiturils have gained prominence due to their exceptional ability to enhance photocatalytic reactions through mechanisms such as improved charge separation, high adsorption capacities, and the generation of reactive oxygen species. The review summarizes recent research on the use of CBs in various photocatalytic applications, including dye degradation, pollutant removal, and wastewater treatment. Studies highlight CB[5]’s utility in dye removal and the creation of efficient nanocomposites for improved degradation rates. CB[6] is noted for its high adsorption capacities and photocatalytic efficiency in both adsorption and degradation processes. CB[7] shows promise in adsorbing and degrading toxic dyes and enhancing fluorescence in biomedical applications, while CB[8] leads to significant improvements in photocatalytic activity and stability. The review also discusses the synthesis, properties, and functionalization of cucurbiturils to maximize their photocatalytic potential. Future research directions include the optimization of cucurbituril-based composites, the exploration of new application areas, and scaling up their use for practical environmental and industrial applications. This comprehensive review provides insights into the current capabilities of cucurbituril-based photocatalysts and identifies key areas for future development in sustainable photocatalytic technologies.