A novel procedure for the build-up of monolithic zirconia foams and macro-mesoporous zirdonia powders has been developed. A Zr-based colloidal sol is used as emulsifier in an emulsion free of surfactant in molecular form and where stability is given by the presence of colloidal clusters at oil/water interface. The accurate control of the sal-gel transition of these clusters made of Zr-based nanoparticles leads to the elaboration of porous materials in a two-in-one step method. Different parameters have been studied to allow a good control of the porosity of the material. This latter, characterized by SEM and nitrogen adsorption-desorption, is easily tuned (from 15 nm to 20 mu m) by varying the emulsion shearing rate and mode. In appropriate conditions, the emulsified system can either lead to the formation of macroporous zirconia monoliths or macro-mesoporous zirconia powders. The monoliths were identified by X-ray diffraction as two pure crystalline phases depending on the thermal treatment: tetragonal and monoclinic at 400 and 1000 degrees C, respectively. The mechanical properties of the monoliths as well as an example of using these materials for solid phase extraction process are finally discussed. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.