Bioethanol Conversion into Propylene over Various Zeolite Catalysts: Reaction Optimization and Catalyst Deactivation

Abstract

Catalytic conversions of bioethanol to propylene were investigated over different zeolite catalysts. H-ZSM-5 (SiO2/Al2O3 = 80) was found to be the most effective for propylene production. Furthermore, H-ZSM-5 (SiO2/Al2O3 = 80) was investigated under different variables of catalytic reaction (calcination temperature, feed composition, reaction temperature, and time on stream) for the conversion of ethanol to propylene. The H-ZSM-5(80) catalysts calcined at 600 °C showed the highest propylene yield. The moderate acidic site on ZSM-5 is required for the production of propylene. The activity on ZSM-5 is independent of the ethanol feed composition. H-ZSM-5 catalyst deactivation was observed, owing to dealumination. The highest propylene yield was 23.4% obtained over HZSM-5(80). Propylene, butene, and ≥C5 olefins were formed by parallel reaction from ethylene. Olefins were converted to each paraffin by sequential hydrogenation reaction. HZSM-5(80) catalyst is a promising catalyst not only for ethanol but also for the conversion of bioethanol to light olefins.