One-pot sol-gel synthesis of sulfated ZrO₂-SiO₂ catalysts for alcohol dehydration

Abstract

Sulfated ZrO2–SiO2 catalysts were synthesized by one-pot sol-gel method using ammonium sulfate, zirconium propoxide, and tetraethyl orthosilicate as precursors. The catalysts were characterized by N2 adsorption and DRIFTS. On calcining the gel at elevated temperature, the ammonium sulfate decomposed, giving a sulfated zirconia–silica catalyst. By adding ammonium sulfate to the sol-gel synthesis system, the surface area, pore size, and pore volume of the resultant catalyst were increased. The one-pot sol-gel synthesized catalyst with an optimum loading of SO42– 14 mol% showed significantly higher catalytic activity, with a selectivity of 100%, for isopropanol dehydration when compared to the impregnated catalyst. The one-pot sol-gel synthesis method is an effective way to prepare sulfated zirconia catalyst.Key words: sulfated zirconia, sol-gel synthesis, acid catalyst, alcohol dehydration, N2 adsorption, DRIFT.