A new ZrC nano powder solid acid catalyst for the esterification synthesis of ethyl acetate

Zirconium carbide nano powder was synthesized and used as a new ceramic solid acid catalyst for esterification reaction of acetic acid. The catalytic active atoms and centers and the types of associated orbitals in Lewis acid catalytic reaction were determined based on calculated electronic band structure and partial electronic density of state (PEDOS) of ZrC. The conversion percentage of acetic acid to ethyl acetate was measured by the by titration of residual acetic acid. The ZrC has a very good performance as a solid acid catalyst in the conversion of acetic acid to ethyl acetate.