Influence of acid sites distribution of zeolites on their catalytic performance in methanol to olefins (MTO): a review

Abstract

The conversion of methanol to olefins (MTO), as a non-petroleum route to get valuable chemicals from multifarious carbon resources such as coal, natural gas and biomass, has attracted extensive attention in recent years. The catalytic performance of acidic zeolites in MTO is closely related to the Al siting or acid sites distribution in framework; a clear understanding on this relation is of benefits to the development of better zeolite catalysts and the improvement of current processes for MTO. Therefore, we attempt to make a review on the recent research progress in the influence of acid sites distribution of zeolites on their catalytic performance in MTO. The review is focused on the characterization and oriented regulation of the acid sties distribution as well as the influence of Al siting or acid sites distribution on reaction pathway and catalytic kinetics.