Rational design of novel ternary Ag/rugby ball shaped ZnO/SmFeO3 nanocomposite: An affordable photocatalyst for the degradation of naproxen

Abstract A novel ternary Ag/rugby ball-shaped ZnO@SmFeO3 nanocomposite was prepared by a simple hydrothermal approach. The Ag particles were effectively incorporated in the surface of rugby ball-shaped ZnO and SmFeO3. Herein, Ag/ZnO@SmFeO3 nanocomposite had an obvious enhanced photocatalytic degradation of naproxen under the visible light with outstanding chemical stability. This novel three-component system will provide a valuable route to develop cost-effective as well as effective sunlight harvesting photocatalyst material. The improved catalytic performance of Ag/ZnO@SmFeO3 nanocomposite could be ascribed to the synergetic effects of all ternary mixtures.