Synthesis of dimethyl ether on supported Cu-Mn catalysts

Abstract

A new catalyst system Cu-Mn-(M)O_x supported on γ-Al₂O₃ has been developed for the synthesis of dimethyl ether (DME) directly from synthesis gas in a fixed-bed reactor, (M = Zn, Cr, W, Mo,Fe, Co or Ni). The results show that the conversion of CO and the selectivity of DME change greatly with n(Cu)/n(Mn) ratio, while Zn and Cr show little effect on the reaction, W and Mo decreases

the conversion of CO, increases the selectivity of CO₂ and CH₄. On introducing Fe to the catalyst, the main products are CH₃OH and CH₄. The optimum yield of DME obtained is 46.0% (at 63.5% conversion of CO) at 2.0 MPa, 275°C. 1500 h^-1 on Cu₂Mn₄Zn_1.0O_x/ γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst.