Conversion of methanol and ethanol into hydrocarbons over zeolites with different pore structure and acid properties

Abstract

Methanol and ethanol are converted into hydrocarbons over zeolites with different pore structures and acid properties. It is an alternative technology for generating petrochemical feedstocks, particularly ethene and propene. Thus, the search for catalysts with physicochemical properties that maximize activity and selectivity to products of interest in the reaction has increased. In this study, ZSM-5 and MCM-22 zeolites in their acid form (HZSM-5 and HMCM-22), as well as ITQ-2, the delaminated form of MCM-22, were investigated as catalysts for methanol (MeOH) and ethanol (EtOH) conversion. All samples were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), 27Al magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry (27Al MAS/NMR), N2 physisorption and temperature programmed desorption of ammonia (TPD of NH3). A comparison of the catalytic performance at 500 °C and atmospheric pressure showed that the product distribution and catalyst stability were significantly influenced by the studied alcohol, suggesting that these results reflected the differences in the mechanism for the formation of hydrocarbons.