A series of mesoporous ZrO2 catalysts were prepared through a sol-gel process using methylimidazolium-based ionic liquid templates and metal alkoxides. The ionic liquids acted as a micelle template around which a condensation reaction was performed. The length of the ionic liquid chains was varied from C12 to C16 in order to control porosity. The synthesized catalysts were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and N2 physisorption at 77 K to determine surface area, pore size, and pore volume. Porous zirconia samples were synthesized with surface areas between 30-50 m2/g. Catalytic activity of the synthesized zirconia was examined through the self-condensation of cyclopentanone.

Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic activity of ionic liquid templated mesoporous zirconia

255th National Meeting (2018)

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