Preparation of SO₄^2-/ZrO₂ catalyst and its performance in the esterification of pyrolytic rubber seed oil

Esterification of pyrolytic rubber seed oil with SO₄^2-/ZrO₂ soild acid as catalyst was investigated; the effects of zirconium sources, calcination time and temperature on the catalytic performance were considered. The acidic properties of the SO₄^2-/ZrO₂ catalyst were characterized by temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia (NH₃-TPD) and pyridine adsorption infrared spectroscopy (Py-IR). The results indicated that the SO₄^2-/ZrO₂ solid acid prepared by using ZrOCl₂ as zirconium source and calcined at 550℃ for 4 h exhibits high catalytic activity and stability in the esterification of the pyrolytic rubber seed oil. The esterification product obtained as a bio-oil was superior to those prepared via conventional methods; its properties are similar to those of 0^# diesel oil.