Conversion of Methanol to Light Olefins over Dealuminated Mordenite: Selective Formation of Propylene

The catalytic conversion of methanol to light olefins, especially to propylene, was studied over mordenite zeolite in a fixed-bed reactor at temperature of 460ºC, using a feed composed of methanol (50 wt%) and water (50 wt%). The mordenite catalyst was synthesized under hydrothermal conditions in an autoclave at 190ºC with 96 h aging and was dealuminated to a SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio of about 72. Selectivities higher than 86 % to lower (C2-C4) olefins and 66 % to propylene were achieved.

Keywords:

Methanol to olefins , Propylene , Mordenite , Dealumination , Shape selectivity