Multisustainable Approach. Ternary Photocatalytic Composite: Fe_xO₃/Albumin/Few Layer Graphene in H₂ Production via Photo-reforming of Methanol

Abstract

To address energy requirements via an optimally sustainable way is of high interest. A ternary hybrid based on natural protein, few layer graphene, and a nonprecious metal component is obtained by a rapid and green method bypassing high-temperature calcination. Its significant activity in H 2 production via photoreforming of methanol is related to the factors combining the nanosized related quantum confinement effect and small band gap, increased conduction band edge, and enhanced reducibility of Fe x O 3 nanoparticles (size up to 2 nm). The albumin homogeneously decorating the FLG surface helps in the catalyst dispersion, reduction of photogenerated charge recombination, and MeOH adsorption. Fe x O 3 /Album/FLG shows great photostability and superior activity to the TiO 2 based catalysts of reference.