Vapor-phase ketonization of propionic acid derived from biomass was studied at 300–375 °C over ZrO2 with different zirconia polymorph. The tetragonal ZrO2 (t-ZrO2) are more active than monoclinic ZrO2 (m-ZrO2). The results of characterizations from X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman suggest m-ZrO2 and t-ZrO2 are synthesized by the solvothermal method. NH3 and CO2 temperature-programmed desorption (NH3-TPD and CO2-TPD) measurements show that there were more medium-strength Lewis acid base sites with lower coordination exposed on m-ZrO2 relative to t-ZrO2, increasing the adsorption strength of propionic acid. The in situ DRIFTS (Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy) of adsorbed propionic acid under ketonization reaction reveal that as the most abundant surface intermediates, the monodentate propionates are more active than bidentate propionates. In comparison with m-ZrO2, the t-ZrO2 surface favors monodentate adsorption over bidentate adsorption. Additionally, the adsorption strength of monodentate propionate is weaker on t-ZrO2. These differences in adsorption configuration and adsorption strength of propionic acid are affected by the zirconia structure. The higher surface concentration and weaker adsorption strength of monodentate propionates contribute to the higher ketonization rate in the steady state.