Dense and Uniform Integration of Cu-BDC Particles on a Nafion Film for a High-Performance Hydrogen-Producing Device

The incorporation of metal–organic frameworks onto conductive substrates demonstrates considerable potential in applications related to the hydrogen evolution reaction. In this work, we present a streamlined synthesis approach involving atomic layer deposition pretreatment to facilitate the controlled growth of Cu-BDC particles on a conductive Nafion film. This methodology preserves a substantial loading of Cu-BDC with a hierarchically porous structure, accompanied by a notable surface area of 547 m2 g–1. The composite is subsequently utilized as an electrocatalyst for hydrogen generation in an alkane electrolyte. The structural advances in the composite result in a superior electrochemical hydrogen production efficiency with a low overpotential of 84 mV and a low Tafel slope of 58 mV dec–1 in 1.0 M NaOH. Notably, the composite showed good cycling performance during the 18 h test with 2000 cycles. This research introduces a design of a catalyst electrode with promising implications for the hydrogen production industry.