Effects of P content in a P/HZSM-5 catalyst on the conversion of ethanol to hydrocarbons

A series of P/HZSM-5 catalysts prepared by impregnation method were used for ethanol conversion to lower olefins. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), NH3-temperature-programmed desorption (NH3-TPD) and N2 adsorption-desorption measurements. It was found that the P/HZSM-5 catalysts showed high activity and selectivity toward light olefins. The selectivities of propylene and butylene can be improved with the introduction of phosphorus (P). When the content of P reached 3.0 wt%, more than 18.9% propylene in the gaseous products was obtained over the P/HZSM-5 catalyst at 450°C. The introduction of P modified the strong Brønsted acid sites of the original HZSM-5 catalysts and P/HZSM-5 catalysts could resist coke formation and showed good stability.