The Molecular Structure and Morphology of Insoluble Coke in SAPO‐34 Catalyst

Abstract

AbstractThe insoluble coke in SAPO‐34 catalyst is investigated by mass spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results indicate the insoluble coke in SAPO‐34 catalyst is a reticulate structure composed of carbon‐chain bridged cycloalkanes and aromatics. This reticulate structure located near the surface of SAPO‐34 crystal. It is proposed that the continue alkylation and cyclization of cycloalkanes or aromatics with olefins is the main cause of the coke formation. Moreover, the coke preformed by olefins in downstream catalyst bed reduces the active region for methanol conversion.