The influence of different methanol synthesis catalysts on direct synthesis of DME from syngas

Methanol synthesis catalysts based on Cu–Zn–Al prepared under different precipitation conditions with the use of Zr or not as a promoter were studied in the direct synthesis of dimethyl ether (DME) using H-ferrierite as a dehydration component. Samples prepared under high supersaturation conditions showed textural and structural changes without any relation to the CO conversion. Samples containing zirconium favored an increase of Cu surface area, but other factors were involved in the improvement of the catalyst activity. The presence of aluminum in the methanol synthesis catalyst produced structural changes that could be related to the catalytic activity.

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► Different precipitation conditions studied influenced the textural and structural properties of Cu–Zn–Al methanol synthesis catalysts, but these changes did not influence their catalytic activity on DME synthesis from syngas.
► No direct correlation between the Cu surface area and CO conversion was verified for these catalysts.
► A Zr promoter increased the metallic area and the CO conversion of these catalysts; however, this increase seemed to be due to structural factors.
► An unexpected influence of the Al content on the structure of the methanol synthesis catalyst was observed, and an important structural role for Al should be considered.