Abstract
Catalytic dehydration of methanol to dimethyl ether (DME) was investigated using physically and chemically modified H-Mordenite and H-Beta zeolites as catalysts. Physical modification was carried out using ultrasonic wave’s energy, while chemical modification was performed through impregnation in aluminum nitrate followed by calcination. The produced solid catalysts were evaluated as selective catalysts for the dehydration of methanol to dimethyl ether at100–250°C performed at three different contact times. Chemical and structural characterizations of the solid catalysts were identified using XRD, FT-IR, TEM, SEM and NH3-TPD. Ultrasonication physical mixing of solids proved as useful tool of preparation, producing fine reordered crystals of nanocomposite zeolites with novel morphology. The newly ordered crystals were distinguished by their frame work structure, acidic properties, crystal and particle sizes, unit cell volume, pore opening, and favorable catalytic activity of 100% selectivity to DME at 200°Cfor all contact times studied. The effects of Al2O3on the dispersion and interaction within the nano-zeolite crystals and hence on the catalytic dehydration of methanol were verified as the major influence toward utmost selectivity.