Preparation and characterization of mesoporous tetragonal sulfated zirconia

Mesoporous tetragonal sulfated zirconia with high surface area and narrow pore-size distribution was prepared using Zr(O-nPr)4 as zirconium precursor, sulfuric acid as sulfur source and triblock copolymer poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(propylene glycol)–poly(ethylene glycol) (P123) as the template. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, N2 sorption, TEM, and NH3-TPD. A phase transformation from monoclinic sulfated zirconia to tetragonal sulfated zirconia is observed. The product shows strong acidity.