Catalytic Dehydration of Methanol to Dimethyl Ether (DME) over Solid-Acid Catalysts

Abstract

The conversion of dimethyl ether(DME) has been carried out over <TEX>$\gamma-alumina$</TEX>, silica-alumina, and modified <TEX>$\gamma-aluminal$</TEX> catalysts. Especially, the water effect has been investigated on purpose to develop a suitable catalyst for one-step synthesis of DME from <TEX>$CO_2$</TEX> hydrgenation, The <TEX>$\gamma-Al_2O_3$</TEX> modified with 1 wt% silica is more active and less deactivated by water than unmodified one. <TEX>$CO_2has$</TEX> no effect on catalytic dehydration of methanol to DME.