Sulfated zirconia as a novel and recyclable catalyst for removal of olefins from aromatics

•A novel and recyclable sulfated zirconia catalyst was synthesized.•Acidity and texture analysis of the catalyst was performed.•Excellent catalytic activity was obtained for removal of olefins from aromatics.•The catalyst took on favorable reusability.

A novel sulfated zirconia (ZrO2/SO42 −) catalyst was prepared and the catalytic property of this catalyst was compared with active clay and zeolite (USY) in removing olefins from aromatics. Pyridine-FTIR indicated that the abundance of Lewis acid centers on sulfated zirconia is a vital factor for its excellent catalytic activity. N2 adsorption analysis shows that sulfated zirconia is a promising mesopore catalyst material. The superior catalytic performance as well as efficient reusability demonstrated that sulfated zirconia possesses bright application prospects in industry.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide