Direct synthesis of propylene and light olefins from dimethyl ether catalyzed by modified H-ZSM-5

Propylene was produced with selectivity as high as 45% from the direct conversion of dimethyl ether over the ZrO2 and H3PO4 modified H-ZSM-5 catalyst at atmospheric pressure. The ratio of propylene to ethylene was 16. The prominent olefin product distribution was associated with the adjusted acid properties and microspores of H-ZSM-5 after modification.