Synthesis of Activated Carbon, ZIF-67, and AC/ZIF-67 Composite and A Review of Carbon–MOF Based Catalysts for Biodiesel Production

Abstract

Heterogeneous catalysts based on porous carbon and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted increasing research interest for biodiesel production due to their stability, reusability, and tunable surface functionality. This study reports the synthesis of three catalyst candidates: activated carbon (AC), ZIF-67, and an AC/ZIF-67 composite, prepared as preliminary materials for base-catalyzed transesterification of vegetable oils. Alongside the experimental synthesis, this study provides a literature-based review on the development of carbon-supported MOFs and their relevance to biodiesel catalysis. The synthesized materials displayed the expected macroscopic characteristics: AC with a porous black texture, ZIF-67 as a purple crystalline powder, and a darker composite suggesting successful MOF growth on the carbon surface. Although catalytic testing was not yet performed, theoretical assessment and previous studies indicate that these materials possess active sites suitable for esterification and transesterification. The review highlights the strengths and limitations of each material and outlines future directions for catalyst activation, structural modification, and performance evaluation. The combination of experimental synthesis and literature analysis forms a foundation for continuing research on carbon–MOF catalysts for biodiesel applications.