1：Experimental Design and Method Selection:

The study involved the synthesis of Ag-doped CuO nanoparticles and their nanocomposites with poly(acrylic acid) microgel via free radical solution polymerization. The photocatalytic activity was assessed by the degradation of methylene blue dye under visible light.

2：Sample Selection and Data Sources:

Copper sulfate heptahydrate and silver nitrate were used as starting precursors for the synthesis of Ag-doped CuO nanoparticles. Methylene blue dye was used as a model pollutant for photocatalytic degradation studies.

3：List of Experimental Equipment and Materials:

Equipment included X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV–visible spectrophotometer, and a Xe lamp for visible light irradiation. Materials included sorbitan monooleate, ammonium persulfate, N,N′-Methylenebisacrylamide, N,N,N′,N′-Tetramethylethylenediamine, acrylic acid, copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate, silver nitrate, methylene blue dye, sodium hydroxide, and sodium dodecyl sulfate.

4：Experimental Procedures and Operational Workflow:

The synthesis involved co-precipitation for CuO and Ag-doped CuO nanoparticles, free radical solution polymerization for PAA microgel, and incorporation of Ag@CuO NPs into PAA microgel. Photocatalytic activity was assessed by exposing the samples to visible light and measuring the degradation of methylene blue over time.

5：Data Analysis Methods:

The photocatalytic efficiency was analyzed using UV–visible absorption spectra. The structural and optical properties were characterized using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques.