Influence of Zr on the performance of Mg-Al catalysts via hydrotalcite-like precursors for the synthesis of glycerol carbonate from urea and glycerol

•Tunable acidic-basic property of mesoporous Mg-Al-Zr mixed oxides was obtained.•The role of acidic and basic sites was clarified in overall reaction as well as in every comprising reaction pathway.•A well-balanced acidic-basic property was important for the catalyst to obtain high GLC yield with good selectivity.•A higher GLC yield of 87.8% with 90.8% excellent selectivity could be achieved.