Overcoming Thermodynamic Limitations in Dimethyl Carbonate Synthesis from Methanol and CO2

Abstract

Shifting the unfavorable equilibrium in the synthesis of dimethyl carbonate from CO2 and methanol via integrated separation opens a feasible and environmentally benign route. The subtle differences in the sorption kinetics of water and methanol on Linde type A zeolites are used to selectively remove water from the methanolic reaction medium with a separation factor of 100. Combining reaction with a low temperature separation enables a 10-time higher DMC yield compared to conventional conversion.