Applying full factorial design to the optimization of H-ZSM-5 zeolite synthesis for methanol dehydration to dimethyl ether

H-ZSM-5 zeolite was synthesized by hydrothermal method. The effects of different synthesis parameters, including temperature (170−190 °C) and Si/Al molar ratio (100−150) on the catalyst performance in the dehydration of methanol to dimethyl ether (DME) were studied. The catalysts were characterized by BET, XRD, NH3-TPD, TGA/DTA, and SEM techniques. The full factorial design of experiments was applied to synthesis of ZSM-5 zeolite and the effects of synthesis conditions and their interaction on the yield of DME as the response variable were determined. Analysis of variance showed that two variables and their interaction significantly affected the response. According to the experimental results, the optimized catalyst prepared at 170 ºC and Si/Al = 100 molar ratio showed better performance compared with those prepared at other conditions.