Lewis acidic ZrTUD-1 as catalyst for tert-butylation of phenol

- Non-surfactant TEG assisted synthesis of mesoporous silicate with Zr4+ incorporation.
- Pyridine adsorption reveals existence of both Lewis and Bronsted acid sites.
- Added zirconium ions are incorporated and distributed inside the pore channels.
- Lewis acidity with moderate acid strength is generated in the samples.
- Moderate and comparable phenol tert-butylation activity due to 3D pores.