Catalysts for Synthesizing Liquid Hydrocarbons from Methanol and Dimethyl Ether: A Review

Abstract

Different ways of increasing the selectivity of catalysts are described for converting oxygenate to liquid hydrocarbons. Analysis of reports suggests that the main factors affecting the selectivity of zeolite-containing catalysts are the structural type and acidic properties of the zeolites. It is shown that the strength and distribution of acid sites depend on the structural type and chemical composition of the zeolite framework, and on the chemical nature of the exchange cations. Different ways of changing the acidic properties of zeolites are discussed, e.g., modifying them with cations of various elements and subjecting them to postsynthesis acidic, alkaline, and steam heat treatment.