Deactivation of a Biomass-Derived Zirconium-Doped Phosphorus-Containing Carbon Catalyst in the Production of Dimethyl Ether from Methanol Dehydration

Dehydration of methanol to produce dimethyl ether (DME) was studied at relatively high temperatures (400–600 °C) on biomass-derived phosphorus-containing carbon impregnated with a zirconium salt. Highly thermally stable phosphate surface groups could be obtained the final catalyst, which were responsible for stability and selectivity DME catalyst lower than 400 °C. However, harder operation conditions, closer those industrial process, evaluated analyze changes properties reaction temperature possible causes deactivation. Thus, conversion also observed in range 400–600 °C, although deactivation detected. Coke deposition decrease microporosity concentration phosphorus catalyst. Temperature-programmed desorption, 31P magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results suggest that Zr–O–P from species long-term C–O–P-type active sites deactivated very fast. coke Zr–O–P-type caused slow irreversible deactivation, while deposited easily eliminated by oxidative treatment air. A scheme accounted gas product distribution production proposed. kinetic model formation as function time stream successfully represents experimental propounded, yielded value activation energy 124 kJ/mol.