Enhancing palladium oxide-copper-metal organic framework modified carbon nanotubes for hydrogen production with CO₂ capture and conversion

The transition towards sustainable energy systems necessitates the development of efficient technologies for hydrogen production coupled with carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture and conversion. In this work, a novel ternary nanocomposite comprising Palladium Oxide (PdO), Copper-based Metal–Organic Frameworks (Cu-MOFs), and Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) was synthesized and evaluated as a multifunctional catalyst for integrated hydrogen evolution and CO₂ utilization. The design strategy exploits the synergistic interaction among the components: PdO acts as an active center for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), Cu-MOF facilitates CO₂ adsorption and activation, and CNTs provide a conductive matrix that enhances charge mobility and structural stability. The structural, morphological, and compositional characteristics of the composite were investigated through a combination of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and complementary analytical techniques. The optimized composite exhibited a high hydrogen production rate of 15.4 mmol g⁻¹ with 99.8 % purity. Furthermore, CO₂ capture and conversion experiments demonstrated notable improvements in CO₂ utilization efficiency, indicating dual-functionality of the material. These results highlight the potential of PdO–Cu-MOF–CNTs as an integrated catalyst for clean hydrogen generation and carbon reduction, offering a promising pathway toward a recyclable and carbon-neutral energy systems.