Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic activity of phosphomolybdic acid supported on hydrous zirconia

A series of ecofriendly solid acid catalyst was synthesized by phosphomolybdic acid impregnated on hydrous zirconia (ZPMA) by an incipient wetness impregnation technique. The support and the resulting catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, FTIR, EPMA, BET surface area, acid sites, etc. These studies indicate that the phosphomolybdic acid keeps its Keggin-type structure unaltered up to 500 °C. Catalytic activities of the material were evaluated for the esterification of acetic acid reaction. The 12 wt% of phosphomolybdic acid supported on hydrous zirconia shows highest surface area, acid sites and gives about 86% conversion with 100% selectivity of n-butyl acetate.

Graphical abstractWith increase of the reaction time from 60 to 300 min, the percentage of conversion of acetic acid increases from 25 to 65% and 35 to 89% for zirconia and 12 wt% ZPMA, respectively. The selectivity toward butyl acetate nearly 100% in all cases.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide