Ramohlola, Kabelo E.Monama, Gobeng RMothlathlo, Terrence2026-02-062026-02-062026Mothlathlo, T., Modibane, K.D., Ramohlola, K.E., Monama, G.R. and Ren, J., 2026. Pt-and Ru-decorated metal organic framework as a trifunctional material for water electrolysis and hydrogen fuel cell applications. Journal of Applied Electrochemistry, 56(2), p.31.https://doi.org/10.1007/s10800-025-02425-8https://hdl.handle.net/10566/21900The development of efficient hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) and water-splitting electrocatalysts was considered critical for advancing clean energy technologies. In this study, platinum (Pt) and ruthenium (Ru) were incorporated into copper zeolitic imidazolate framework (CuZIF) using an electroless plating method. Comprehensive characterization through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the successful synthesis of pristine CuZIF and the metallic-incorporated Pt@CuZIF and Ru@CuZIF. Electrochemical measurements were carried out in 0.1 M potassium hydroxide (KOH) to evaluate the catalytic activity of the prepared materials in water electrolysis for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), as well as in HFC testing. Pt@CuZIF demonstrated enhanced catalytic activity for both HER and OER, with Tafel slopes of 118 and 118.5 mV dec−1, respectively, suggesting a Volmer–Heyrovsky mechanism, and overpotentials of 345 and 474 mV. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) further revealed that both HER and OER benefited from Pt@CuZIF due to its low charge transfer resistance and high capacitance value. HFC measurements showed that Pt@CuZIF exhibited excellent performance and stability, with a discharge voltage of 0.13 V, an energy density of 68.42 Wh kg−1, and a power density of 205.26 W kg−1. In comparison, Ru@CuZIF exhibited a discharge voltage of 0.17 V, an energy density of 90.91 Wh kg−1, and a power density of 272.73 W kg−1. Overall, Pt@CuZIF was considered the most promising material for application in both water electrolysis and HFCs.enCopper zeolitic imidazolate frameworkHER electrocatalystHydrogen fuel cell performanceOER electrocatalystPt@CuZIFArticle