A comprehensive review on the role of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) in facilitating catalytic transformations.

Catalysis plays an important role in modern chemistry by enabling efficient and sustainable chemical processes. Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIFs), a type of metal-organic framework, have gained attention because of their good stability, adjustable pore structure, and well-defined metal sites. This review focuses on ZIFs and their derived materials in three main areas: heterogeneous catalysis, electrocatalysis, and photocatalysis. It highlights how simple design strategies, such as metal doping and conversion into porous carbon materials, can improve catalytic activity, selectivity, and durability. In many cases, ZIF-derived catalysts show better stability and comparable or improved performance compared to traditional catalysts, especially in reactions like oxygen reduction and carbon dioxide conversion. Overall, this review summarizes the key structure-performance relationships of ZIF-based catalysts and points out their potential as efficient and cost-effective materials for sustainable chemical and energy applications, while also noting challenges related to long-term stability and large-scale production.