Conversion of Oxygenates to Aromatic Hydrocarbons on a Commercial Zeolite Catalyst: Comparison of Ethanol and Dimethyl Ether

Abstract

Conversion of oxygenates to aromatic hydrocarbons in the syngas medium in the presence of a commercial zeolite-containing catalyst was studied. The influence of pressure on aromatization of dimethyl ether and ethanol was examined. At 400°C, an increase in the pressure from 0.1 to 3.0–10.0 MPa leads to a sharp increase in the yield of aromatic compounds. Dimethyl ether and ethanol, which are isomers belonging to different classes of compounds, were compared as substrates in conversion to aromatic hydrocarbons. At elevated pressure, dimethyl ether compared to ethanol exhibits higher selectivity in formation of the desired synthesis products, allowing synthesis of liquid hydrocarbons with increased content of arenes.