Graphene oxide/metal–organic framework composite as an effective catalyst for esterification reactions

Abstract

Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of graphene oxide (GO) impregnated into a Zr-based metal–organic framework (MOF-801), denoted as MOF-801@GO, as a catalyst for esterification reactions. The synthesized catalyst was thoroughly characterized using various techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area measurements, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy. The surface acid strength was evaluated by ammonia temperature-programmed desorption (NH₃-TPD). The catalytic performance of MOF-801@GO was assessed in the esterification of carboxylic acids with alcohols using no solvent. Under optimized reaction conditions, the catalyst achieved a high esterification yield of up to 95%. Notably, the catalyst was readily recovered and reused over multiple cycles with minimal loss of catalytic activity or structural integrity, highlighting its promise for practical esterification applications.