Conversion of Methanol on CuO/H-MOR and CuO/H-ZSM-5 Catalysts

This paper deals with maximizing dimethyl ether (DME) production from methanol due to its industrial importance as a future diesel fuel. The high acidity and the micro-porous structure of the catalysts encouraged this reaction. Catalysts containg 6% CuO supported on H-ZSM-5 and H-MOR zeolites give high activities for DME production. The 6% CuO/HMOR is more selective for DME production, while the 6% CuO/HZSM-5 is more selective for olefins (ethylene and propylene) formation. The higher acid site strength of CuO/HMOR is the principal factor for DME formation whereas olefins production is more activated on CuO/HZSM-5 due to its narrower pore volume.