Study on modification of solid superacid WO₃/ZrO₂ and its application to esterification

In order to improve the catalytic activity and stability of the solid superacid catalyst WO₃/ZrO₂, the Ce and Mn-modified WO₃/ZrO₂ solid superacids were respectively prepared by co-precipitation method. WO₃/ZrO₂ and modified WO₃/ZrO₂ catalysts were characterized by means of XRD and Raman. The effects of modification on the crystalline structure and surface property of the catalysts were studied with the corresponding spectra. The catalytic performance of modified WO₃/ZrO₂ using for synthesizing n-butyl propionate was investigated, and the optimum parameters of synthesis were determined. The results show that the Ce or Mn doped tungstated zirconia could prevent the grain growth and make crystallite size decrease, however, no change in the structure of WO₃/ZrO₂ catalyst was found. Compared with WO₃/ZrO₂ solid superacid, Ce, Mn-modified catalysts show higher catalytic activity.