Hybrid metal-organic framework/MBene nanostructures featuring active Ni sites for boosted hydrogen evolution in alkaline media

Abstract

The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) plays a pivotal role in sustainable hydrogen production via electrochemical water splitting; however, its sluggish kinetics in alkaline media demand the development of advanced electrocatalysts. In this study, a Ni-BDC/MoB nanocomposite was engineered by synergistically combining the catalytic activity of Ni-BDC with the structural and conductive properties of MoB MBene. The optimized nanocomposite containing 7.5 wt % MoB achieved an overpotential of 214 mV at 10 mA cm-2, which was further reduced to 120 mV after annealing at 400 degrees C, outperforming the benchmark Pt/C catalyst. Heat treatment enhanced the composite's conductivity, stability, and promoted the formation of active metallic Ni nanoparticles. The nanocomposite also demonstrated remarkable long-term durability, maintaining stable performance over 50 h with minimal degradation. Comprehensive structural and electronic characterizations confirmed significant enhancements in charge transfer and catalytic activity. These findings position the Ni-BDC/MoB nanocomposites as promising, scalable, and cost-effective nanomaterials for efficient hydrogen evolution in alkaline conditions.