Abstract

The present dataset contains data related to the preparation of a series of novel hybrid catalysts consisting of zirconia supported over a hydrophobic activated carbon support by means of incipient wetness impregnation, and their use as catalysts for the ketonization of diluted aqueous solutions of acetic acid (AA) to acetone (AC). These novel catalysts were thoroughly characterized by means of several characterization techniques, such as XRD, TEM, N2 porosimetry, Raman spectroscopy and XPS, to assess structure-activity relationships. The data includes all the results of the catalytic tests, as well as the raw data of the materials characterization. The performance of the hybrid catalyst achieved in optimized condition was superior to that of benchmark bulk materials (ZrO2 and TiO2) and literature results.