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

## TL;DR

A new catalyst made from graphene oxide and a metal-organic framework was developed and shown to efficiently promote esterification reactions with high yield and reusability.

## Contribution

The synthesis of a graphene oxide-impregnated MOF-801 catalyst for esterification is novel, offering high efficiency and reusability.

## Key findings

- The MOF-801@GO catalyst achieved up to 95% esterification yield under solvent-free conditions.
- The catalyst retained activity and structural integrity over multiple reuse cycles.
- Characterization techniques confirmed successful integration of graphene oxide into the MOF structure.

## 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.