A highly
promising electrocatalyst has been designed and prepared
for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). This involves incorporating
well-dispersed Ir nanoparticles into a cobalt-based metal–organic
framework known as Co-BPDC [Co(bpdc)(H2O)2,
BPDC: 4,4′-biphenyldicarboxylic acid]. Ir@Co-BPDC demonstrates
exceptional HER activity in alkaline media, surpassing both commercial
Pt/C and recent noble-metal catalysts. Theoretical results indicate
that electron redistribution, induced by interfacial bonds, optimizes
the adsorption energy of water and hydrogen, thereby enhancing our
understanding of the superior properties of Ir@Co-BPDC for HER.