Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of zirconia based catalysts

In this work, three equimolar mixed oxides ZrO2/CeO2, ZrO2/TiO2, ZrO2/La2O3 and a reference ZrO2 have been synthesized by hydrothermal method. The structural and surface properties of these materials have been fully characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, surface area measurement, chemical analysis, XPS, infrared spectroscopy after adsorption of pyridine and adsorption microcalorimetry of NH3 and SO2 probe molecules. All investigated mixed oxides are amphoteric and possess redox centers on their surface. Moreover, hydrothermal synthesis leads to catalysts with higher surface area and with better acid–base properties than classical coprecipitation method. Both Lewis and Brønsted acid sites are present on the surface of the mixed oxides. Compared to the other samples, the ZrO2/TiO2 material appears to be the best candidate for further application in acid–base catalysis. Mesoporous amorphous phase with a high surface area of titania zirconia mixed oxide obtained by hydrothermal preparation. [Display omitted] •Three zirconia based catalysts and a reference were prepared by hydrothermal synthesis.•Mixed oxides present larger surface areas than the reference ZrO2.•ZrO2/TiO2 catalyst presents a mesoporous structure with high surface area.•ZrO2/TiO2 catalyst presents simultaneously strong acidic and basic properties.