Unprecedented activity and stability on zirconium phosphates grafted mesoporous silicas for renewable aromatics production from furans

•In-situ ZrP species formed on the silanol groups of silica by chemical grafting method.•Higher activity on ZrP grafted SBA-15 was observed for selective para-xylene production.•Surface ZrP species and optimal amount of acid sites were crucial for aromatics production.•Tunable surface properties against coke deposition of ZrP grafted SBA-15 were characterized.