Harnessing Co–Cd synergy in bimetallic MOF for efficient HER electrocatalyst

In recent years, hydrogen (H₂) fuel derived from renewable sources has become the most widely used energy source, garnering global attention for its sustainability and environmental friendliness. We report a novel bimetallic Co–Cd-BTB (BTB-benzene-1,3,5-tribenzoate) Metal–Organic Framework (MOF) electrocatalyst synthesized through a solvothermal process. The MOF has been characterized by single-crystal X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The electrocatalytic performance of the bimetallic Co–Cd-BTB MOF toward the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) was evaluated in alkaline and acidic electrolytes. In alkaline medium, the catalyst achieves an overpotential of 148 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 with a Tafel slope of 59 mV dec−1, indicating favorable reaction kinetics. Stability tests confirm that the Co–Cd-BTB MOF electrode operates reliably under continuous electrolysis, demonstrating its potential as a non-noble-metal electrocatalyst for hydrogen production.