Preparation and characterization of ZrO2-pillared zirconium phosphate

Different factors in the preparation of ZrO2 - pillared zirconium phosphate were explored systematically. An appropriate concentration of Zr4+, a lowe r reaction temperature, and a longer reaction time facilitate the formation of stable ZrO2 - pillared zirconium phosphates. A pillared structure with surface area of 107 similar to 183m(2)/g and pore size of 2.5nm was obtaine d after calcination at 250 degrees C. The ZrO2 pillars and the zirconium ph osphate sheets were linked through P - O - Zr bonding. IR pyridine adsorpti on studies indicate that surface acid sites oi the pillared samples are mai nly Lewis acid sites. These pillared materials showed good activities in de hydration of isopropanol and reduction of benzaldehyde. Owing to the large surface area and good mesoporosity, their specific activities in the reacti ons are higher than those of pure ZrO2, implying that they are new hopeful materials for preparing acid catalysts or acid - base bifunctional catalyst s.