Abstract: A series of SO4 2－/ZrO2 solid acid catalysts were prepared by precipitationimpregnation. Its acidity and catalytic property on the hydroliquefaction of coal were investigated by NH3-TPD and FT-IR analysis. XRD, BET and TG/DTA measurements also were used to characterize the structure of SO4 2－/ZrO2 solid acid. The results indicate that the intensity of acid site on SO4 2－/ZrO2 solid acid is nonhomogenous and successive distribution. The acid site of SO4 2－/ZrO2 solid acid is mainly mediumstronger acid. The catalysis of SO4 2－/ZrO2 solid acid on the hydroliquefaction of coal exhibits mostly its catalytic activity on pyrolysis reaction. The stronger acid site shows higher catalytic activity. Higher calcinations temperature is advantageous to improve the intensity of acid site and the proportion of strong acid site, and increase the conversion of coal. SO4 2－/ZrO2 solid acid calcinated for 3h at 650℃ shows the best catalytic activity and obtains 76.77% of conversion.