Methanol Dehydration to Dimethyl Ether on Ball Milling‐Derived High‐Surface‐Area Alpha‐Alumina Catalysts

Abstract

AbstractAlpha alumina (α‐Al2O3) catalysts synthesized by ball milling are investigated in the dehydration of methanol to dimethyl ether (DME). The activity and stability of the catalysts were studied in a fixed‐bed continuous‐flow reactor setup. The effect of water vapor in the feed was studied as well. Among different alumina polymorphs studied, γ‐ alumina has been known to be the most effective for this reaction; however, the high surface area α‐Al2O3, which had been synthesized by ball milling, resulted in a comparable rate of methanol conversion, while it revealed a more stable performance under the influence of water vapor. The surface area, the number, and the nature of the acidic sites were found to be relevant parameters for the conversion of methanol to DME. The selectivity was as high as 99 % towards DME.