Preparation of Catalyst Cu-ZnO-MgO-Al2O3 for Direct Synthesis of DME

Abstract

Direct synthesis of DME catalyst was prepared using the co-precipitation method. The catalyst contained CuO/ZnO/Al2O3 about 40/27/33 (%-wt). Two types of catalyst were prepared, i.e. CZMA0 (Mg 0%-wt) and CZMA20 (Mg 20%-wt). Both of catalysts were activated using reducing gas (5% H2 and N2). The activity test was conducted by syngas model which contained (%-mole) 65% H2, 28% CO and 7% N2. The reaction was carried out in a fixed bed reactor at 5 bar, and temperature of 240, 250 and 260°C. Synthesis shown CZMA20 catalyst gave the highest catalytic activity with 73% of CO conversion and 66% of H2 conversion (5 bar and 260°C). Direct synthesis of DME was also carried out using a dual-catalyst, i.e. catalyst for methanol synthesis (M151, the commercial catalyst of methanol synthesis) and methanol dehydration (γ-Al2O3-ITB). The activity of dual catalyst shown 93% of CO conversion and 91% of H2 conversion. This activity was more stable than two other catalysts (CZMA0 and CZMA20).