Crystalline phase is the key factor for catalyst activity. The zirconium modified PCs/gamma-Al2O3 samples were prepared through a simple step incipient-wetness impregnation method. The raw materials and samples were characterized by thermogravimetric-differential analysis (TG-DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia and carbon dioxide (NH3- and CO2-TPD). The effects of calcination temperature and zirconium content on structure, chemical transformation, and acidity-basicity were investigated. Calcination temperature exhibited the major effect on the crystalline phase of samples. The new phase of Al0(.1)Zr(0.9)O(1.93) was exhibited which was above 650 degrees C. In addition, zirconium content was influenced by the acidic and basic properties of the surface. The acidity and basicity of the ZrPCs/gamma-Al2O3 sample increased with the increasing of zirconium content. (C) 2017 The Chemical Industry and Engineering Society of China, and Chemical Industry Press. All rights reserved.