A study of the nonstationary character of the methanol-to-hydrocarbons conversion

Abstract

An important characteristic of the methanol-to-hydrocarbons reaction is its autocatalytic behaviour under certain conditions. In this paper, self-acceleration in the conversion of MeOH over various zeolites, e.g., H-ZSM-5, H-CaY, H-offretite, and H-mordenite, in a flow reactor is examined. Self-acceleration is considered as a step of the nonstationary state changes taking place as a result of the interaction between the reaction medium and the catalyst. The effect on this process of factors such as partial pressure of methanol and the presence of hydrogen in the reaction mixture are investigated. Conclusions regarding the mechanism of C—C bond formation are considered. The course of the nonstationary process may be used for preliminary selection of catalysts for synthesis of hydrocarbons from methanol.