Nanostructured sustainable carbon derived from biomass as catalyst support for alumina in catalytic methanol conversion to DME as hydrogen carrier

Abstract

A novel series of nanostructured catalysts composed of Al2O3 supported on a phosphorous (P) modified mesoporous carbon (ACP) derived from orange peel residues was formed. The formed, 1−7% (w/w) alumina/ACP, catalysts were investigated for conversion of methanol to dimethyl ether (DME) as a promising hydrogen carrier. The catalysts were characterized with a group of standard characterization techniques. Increasing of alumina loading caused remarkable structural and textural changes. Thus, new bands due to Al–O–P was detected by ATR−FTIR, which was confirmed by XPS as due to surface AlPO4 species. However, no crystalline Al2O3 and/or AlPO4 nanoparticles were detected by XRD or HRTEM. Meanwhile, the mesoporous surface texture was preserved. The loading of alumina led to increasing of Brønsted acidic sites population. The catalyst exhibited high conversion of methanol and complete selectivity for DME at low, DME formation rate of 17.88 and 19.85 mmol g−1 h−1 at 300 and 350 °C, respectively. The catalyst efficiency is among the most efficient traditional and recently reported catalysts. Thus, the work showed successful biomass valorization into efficient, selective, low price catalysts that facilitate hydrogen storage via conversion of methanol to DME. This conversion, which is advantageous in transportation and distribution as H2 carrier, will in fact support and advance the UN's sustainable development goals.