Cu−ZnO/γ-Al2O3 CATALYST DOPED BY Mn, Cr, Zn, Ce FOR DIRECT SYNTHESIS OF DIMETHYL ETHER FROM SYNGAS

Abstract

In this paper, we present the doping of Mn, Cr, Zr, Ce (1–6 wt%) on a 20%w CuZnO/ -Al2O3, nCu/ nZn = 70/30 catalyst sample to enhance catalyst performance for direct dimethyl ether synthesis from syngas with the molar ratio of H2/CO=2:1. The activity of modified catalyst is measured by dimethyl ether (DME) yield from syngas under low pressure conditions. The results indicate that the modification of 20%w CuZnO/-Al2O3, nCu/nZn=70/30 catalyst with a suitable adding amount of Zr significantly enhances the CO conversion (from 47% to 60%) and slightly improves the selectivity in DME from 66% to more than 67%. However,when adding the Mn, Cr, Ce contents from 1% to 5 wt% to the studied catalyst, both the conversion of CO and selectivity in DME are not improved..