Catalyst And Method For The Direct Synthesis Of Dimethyl Ether From Synthesis Gas
AssigneeBASF SE
InventorsAlexander Schäfer, Rostam Jal Madon, Thorsten von Fehren, Klaus Kaiser
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Abstract
Catalysts and methods for their manufacture and use for the synthesis of dimethyl ether from syngas are disclosed. The catalysts comprise ZnO, CuO, ZrO2, alumina and one or more of boron oxide, tantalum oxide, phosphorus oxide and niobium oxide. The catalysts may also comprise ceria. The catalysts described herein are able to synthesize dimethyl ether directly from synthesis gas, including synthesis gas that is rich in carbon monoxide.
Claims20
A catalyst composition for the synthesis of dimethyl ether comprising:
- about 10 to about 75 weight % CuO;
- about 5 to about 50 weight % ZnO;
- about 1 to about 30 weight % ZrO2;
- about 1 to about 40 weight % of one or more of boron oxide, niobium oxide, tantalum oxide, phosphorus oxide, and combinations thereof;
- and
- about 5 to about 80 weight % alumina, wherein at least a portion of alumina comprises γ-alumina.
The catalyst composition of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the dispersible alumina is replaced with a γ-alumina.
A method of producing a catalyst composition, the method comprising:
- a. preparing a first powder, preparation of the first powder comprising:
- (i) forming a first slurry by peptizing a dispersible alumina in an acid at a pH between 2 and 5 and a temperature of about 20° C. to 30° C.;
- (ii) forming a second slurry of zirconyl nitrate and water at a pH of less than about 1.5 and a temperature in the range of about 20° C. to 30° C.;
- (iii) calcining the first and second slurries to provide a first powder;
- b. preparing a second powder, preparation of the second powder comprising calcinng a salt comprising niobium, tantalum, phosphorus or boron with a mixture of γ-alumina;
- and
- c. mixing the first and second powder.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.