Catalytic dehydration of methanol to dimethyl ether (DME) over solid-acid catalysts

Abstract

The conversion of methanol to dimethyl ether (DME) has been carried out over γ-alumina silica-alumina, and modified γ-alumina catalysts. Especially, the water effect has been investigated on purpose to develop a suitable catalyst for one-step synthesis of DME from CO2 hydrogenation. The γ-Al2O3 modified with 1 wt% silica is more active and less deactivated by water than unmodified one. CO2 has no effect on catalytic dehydration of methanol to DME.