Niobium-based solid acids in combination with a methanol synthesis catalyst for the direct production of dimethyl ether from synthesis gas

The production of dimethyl ether (DME) as compared to methanol from synthesis gas allows for increased conversions in a single pass. A challenge this process is the combination and dehydration functionalities catalyst without mutual negative interference their performances. Here, we studied use hydrated niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5·nH2O) phosphate (NbOPO4) with copper-based direct DME, while gamma-alumina (γ-Al2O3) was used reference material. three solid acids combined proved active selective however all them showed some degree deactivation throughout reaction. Characterization catalysts pointed out that γ-Al2O3-based mixture deactivated most likely due coke deposition on alumina structural changes catalysts, Nb2O5·nH2O NbOPO4-based lost activity probably result copper migration acid component. In view high volume-based Nb-based it concluded these are promising components catalytic conversion DME.