Zr incorporated Zn-Al dehydrated hydrotalcites solid bases were obtained by calcining Zr-Zn-Al hydrotalcites at 140 degrees C and 200 degrees C. These solid bases were characterized by X-ray diffraction, N-2 adsorption/desorption, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra, temperature programmed desorption of CO2 and infrared spectroscopy of CO2 adsorption. The results show that the Zr incorporated Zn-Al dehydrated hydrotalcites have larger pore diameter and stronger base-strength than the un-incorporated one. The sample with the Zr/Zn/Al ratio of 0.25/2.56/1 has the largest pore diameter, which is 10.6 nm. The basic sites of these solid bases are OH groups and the sample treated at 200 degrees C has more basic sites than which treated at 140 degrees C. These solid bases were evaluated as catalysts in the transesterification reaction for the biodiesel (FAME) production. The sample (with Zr/Zn/Al of 0.25/2.56/1) treated at 200 degrees C gives the FAME yield of 91.71% at 140 degrees C, 1.7 MPa and 1.0 h(-1). It shows no deactivation in the reaction of about 300 h. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.