Pore Morphology Control of Mesostructured SO42−/ZrO2‐Based Hybrid Catalysts Functionalized by Alkyl‐Bridged Organosilica Moieties for Biodiesel Production From Non‐Edible Oil

A series of mesostructured SO42−/ZrO2‐based hybrid materials functionalized with alkyl‐bridged organosilica species, forming SO42−/ZrO2‐SiO2(Ph/Et), were developed by using a single step co‐condensation technique with hydrothermal treatment in the presence of triblock copolymer surfactants. By tuning the molar ratios of the starting precursors, the types of surfactant and the preparation conditions, as‐prepared SO42−/ZrO2‐SiO2(Ph/Et) exhibited 2 D hexagonal p6mm, 3 D cubic Im3m and 3 D interconnected, worm‐hole‐like pore geometries. The mesostructure, morphology, porosity, and composition, as well as acid property of as‐prepared materials were characterized. As a novel, reusable, solid acid catalyst, the hybrid materials were applied for the biodiesel production from a non‐edible oil (Eruca sativa Gars. oil) under mild conditions; considerably high catalytic activity and stability were observed. Special attention was paid to the influences of the textural properties on the activity of SO42−/ZrO2‐SiO2(Ph/Et) materials to the target reaction.