Generation and characterization of catalytically active sites of heteropolyacids on zeolite Y for liquid-phase esterification

•New solid acid presented high acidity and regular porous system.•Polioxometalates supported on zeolite Y by incipient impregnation showed low leaching.•Fine-tuned strong Brønsted sites were generated on HPA/Y catalysts.•Increased mesoporous area and strong interaction between zeolite and heteropolyacids.•Best catalyst (40%HPW/Y-IN) presented 78% average conversion after 3 reutilizations.