The invention relates to a
zirconium sol, a preparation method and applications thereof, wherein the
zirconium sol has a
corrosion rate of not more than 1 g / m<2>.h, the pH value of 2.5-4, and the
viscosity of more than 1000 mPa.s. The preparation method comprises: carrying out first contact on a
zirconium-containing salt and an alkali solution, wherein a
molar ratio of Zr to OH<-> is 1:1-2; carrying out second contact on the first contact mixture and an acid, wherein a
molar ratio of Zr to H<+> is 1:1-3, and preferably the temperature of the first contact is 20-30 DEG C higher than the temperature of the second contact; and carrying out third contact on the second contact mixture and an acid, wherein a
molar ratio of Zr to H<+> is 1:1-3. According to the present invention, the zirconium
sol is used for preparing catalytic
cracking catalysts, can improve the
sphericity of the catalyst, and can improve the
hydrocarbon oil
cracking reaction effect of the catalyst.