One-step synthesis of highly active and stable Ni-ZrO2 catalysts for the conversion of methyl laurate to alkanes

•10Ni-ZrO2 exhibits high activity for the deoxygenation of methyl laurate.•100% yield of alkanes and 87.6% selectivity to C11 are obtained.•The Ni loading directs the formation of SOV and exposed lattice planes of t-ZrO2.•The content of Ni0, SOV and Ni-O-Zr interfaces contribute to catalytic performance.•The exposed lattice planes of t-ZrO2 play an important role in product distribution.