Conversion of Dimethyl Ether to Light Olefins over Rhodium-Containing Zeolite Catalysts: Properties of Catalysts Depending on the Method of Rhodium Introduction

• Published in: Petroleum chemistry 2022-04, Vol.62 (4), p.425-432
• Main Authors: Batova, T. I., Obukhova, T. K., Stashenko, A. N., Kolesnikova, E. E., Kolesnichenko, N. V.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alkenes; Analysis; Catalysts; Catalytic converters; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Chitosan; Coke; Conversion; Dimethyl ether; Dispersion; Evaporators; Industrial Chemistry/Chemical Engineering; Methods; Methyl ether; Olefins; Propylene; Reaction products; Rhodium; Selectivity; Zeolites
• ISSN: 0965-5441; 1555-6239
• DOI: 10.1134/S0965544122020165

The influence of the method used for introduction of Rh into a ZSM-5 zeolite-based catalyst and on its physicochemical and catalytic properties exhibited in dimethyl ether conversion to light olefins was evaluated. Use of chitosan as a medium for rhodium dispersing affords a 10% increase in the dimethyl ether conversion while maintaining the selectivity for light olefins at a level of 75%, which is most likely due to location of rhodium predominantly on the zeolite surface, as well as to its high dispersion. The method of rhodium introduction also affects the amount of the formed coke deactivating the catalysts. Through the use of chitosan as a medium for rhodium dispersing and of a rotary evaporator in the zeolite impregnation stage the amount of the coke on the catalyst surface was reduced. The presence of chitosan as a polymer matrix during modification of the ultrasonically treated zeolite leads to a 6% decrease in the yield of the target reaction products (ethylene and propylene), which is associated with increased coke formation.