Mixing‐assisted hydrothermal synthesis of nanostructured ZnAPSO‐34 used in conversion of methanol to light olefins: effect of agitation RPM on catalytic properties and performance

Abstract

AbstractNanostructured ZnAPSO‐34 catalyst was synthesized via hydrothermal method, and the effects of mixing rate at different rpms on catalytic properties and performances in methanol to olefins process were comprehensively investigated. The synthesized catalysts were characterized by x‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, particle size distribution (PSD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, energy dispersive x‐ray, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy techniques. The results of x‐ray diffraction patterns indicated beneficial effects of mixing rates on the crystallinity of the samples. They reflected that by increase of agitation rate, crystallinity of the synthesized catalysts has been considerably improved. Field emission scanning electron microscopy images confirmed effects of agitation rate on the morphology and particle size of the samples. It was found that the sample with higher mixing rate has the most uniform morphology with fine distribution of smaller particles. The outcome of Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis revealed remarkable surface area of ZnAPSO‐34 with the highest mixing rate that provides great active phase for the MTO reactions. Catalytic performance tests of synthesized ZnAPSO‐34 at different mixing rates toward methanol to light olefins reaction indicated higher methanol conversion and product selectivity. Considerable lifetime has been recorded for the nanostructured catalyst with the highest mixing rate of 900 rpm. © 2016 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.