Design of mesoporous SO42-/ZrO2-SiO2(Et) hybrid material as an efficient and reusable heterogeneous acid catalyst for biodiesel production

Mesoporous sulfated zirconia material functionalized by ethane-bridged organosilica moieties was prepared in a single step. Compared with alkyl-free sulfated zirconia materials, the as-prepared hybrid catalyst showed much higher catalytic activity towards biodiesel production from pure triglyceride as well as low-cost virgin plant oil.