Ecevit, HuseyinAltun, Turkan2025-07-102025-07-1020252214-7144https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwpe.2025.108177https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.13091/10154In this study, a novel ternary nanocomposite (Ag/Fe3O4-BNT) was developed by modifying bentonite with NaOH, incorporating magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) via the solvothermal method, and subsequently incorporating silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) through chemical precipitation. The synthesized nanocomposite was thoroughly characterized using point of zero charge measurement, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Xray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis techniques. Its catalytic activity was evaluated for the reduction of metronidazole (MNZ) antibiotic using sodium borohydride (NaBH4) as a reducing agent. Under optimized conditions (pH 7, 10 mM NaBH4, 0.25 g L-1 catalyst dosage, 30 mg L-1 MNZ, 25 degrees C), the system achieved 90 % MNZ removal within 90 min. An artificial neural network model was developed to predict removal efficiency based on experimental parameters, showing strong agreement with actual data. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis verified the formation of MNZ degradation products, and a possible degradation pathway was proposed. The combination of bentonite, Fe3O4, and Ag NPs demonstrated high catalytic activity, indicating its potential as an effective and magnetically separable catalyst for environmental applications.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessIron OxideMontmorillonitNanocatalystAnnClaySodium BorohydrideArticle10.1016/j.jwpe.2025.1081772-s2.0-105008472990