The effects of the preparation conditions on the crystal form and surface properties of zirconia were studied. Mesoporous MCM-41 modified by tetragonal and monoclinic zirconia were synthesized by hydrothermal and precipitation methods. Then MCM-41 and zirconia-modified MCM-41 supported ruthenium-lanthanum catalysts were prepared via cyclohexane-water double solvent impregnation method. The obtained supports and catalysts were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, N-2 adsorption-desorption, thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry, temperature programmed desorption of NH3, static water/benzene adsorption techniques. It has been found that MCM-41 modified by tetragonal zirconia with exclusive Lewis-acidic sites exhibits more surface hydroxyl groups and higher hydrophilicity than MCM-41 modified by monoclinic and amorphous zirconia. Tetragonal zirconia-modified MCM-41 supported ruthenium-lanthanum catalyst shows better catalytic performance in benzene hydrogenation to cyclohexene with benzene conversion of 54.4% and cyclohexene selectivity of 84.7%. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.