Direct oxidation of dimethyl ether to ethanol over WO3/HZSM-5 catalysts

► Ethanol can be synthesized from direct-oxidation of dimethyl ether over WO3/HZSM-5. ► Ethanol selectivity was improved up to 19.7% from 0.6% over 10%WO3/HZSM-5. ► The effects of different zeolite types and metal oxides loading were investigated. ► Ethanol was formed under the cooperation of acid-redox sites and pore structure.