Multisustainable Approach. Ternary Photocatalytic Composite: FexO3/Albumin/Few Layer Graphene in H2 Production via Photo-reforming of Methanol

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 H2 production via photo-reforming 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 FexO3 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. FexO3/Album/FLG shows great photostability and superior activity to the TiO2 based catalysts of reference.