Cu0-loaded SBA-15@ZnO with improved electrical properties and affinity towards hydrogen

•Cu0 insertion in ZnO-encapsulated SBA-15 induces improved optoelectronics features.•ZnO polycondensation and Si-O-Zn bridges produce high surface area and small pores.•-HO:Copper interactions improve metal dispersion and physical hydrogen capture.•Cu0NPs are responsible of conductance improvement and affinity for hydrogen.•Cu/SBA-15@ZnO is promising semiconductor, electrocatalyst and hydrogen adsorbent.