Effect of the Si/Al ratio of HZSM-5 zeolite on the production of dimethyl ether before and after ultrasonication

A series of as-synthesized HZSM-5 zeolites with different Si/Al ratios (25, 90, 120, 240 and 400) were post-treated by ultrasonication for an optimum time of 60 min. The morphology, acidity and textural properties of HZSM-5 were characterized with XRD, SEM, N2 adsorption and NH3-TPD techniques. The catalytic performance was evaluated by dehydration of methanol to dimethyl ether (DME), which is a promising gaseous automotive fuel in future. It was found that the Si/Al ratio of HZSM-5 had considerable impacts on its catalytic performance for dehydration of methanol to DME. Its activity increased with decreasing Si/Al ratio from 400 to 25. Ultrasonication of HZSM-5 could significantly improve its catalytic performance.