Synthesis, characterization and catalytic performance of HPA and Al2O3 catalysts for methanol dehydration

The deliverable focuses on the development of catalysts for DME production based on heteropolyacids and comparison of their performance against benchmark Al2O3 catalysts. Commercial HPAs (W, P…) will be deposited on different supports (TiO2, Ce2O3, Al2O3, carbon…) using different loadings. Catalysts will be characterized to determine their bulk and surface composition, their textural properties and their acidity by XRD, XPS, BET, thermal analysis and chemisorption of CO2 and or NH3 amongst others. In addition the catalytic performance for methanol dehydration will be evaluated in a fixed bed reactor and compared with Al2O3 . The effects of variable such as T, P and GHSV for methanol conversion and selectivity will be evaluated. The best catalyst(s) will be identified. Reference task: 2.2.