Abstract:
The ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) method has been used to prepare small spherical partical of Cu/ZnO to develop highly active and stable catalysts for dimethyl ether (DME) synthesis at low temperature (443 K) operated a frequency of ~1.7 MHz. Surface and morphology of Cu/ZnO catalysts were investigated as a function of reaction temperature and molar ratio of copper oxide and zinc oxide. The size distribution, structural characterization, morphology and composition of Cu/ZnO catalysts were characterized by EDX, XRD, SEM, BET and TPR. It was found that the synthesized catalysts are spherical with mixed large and small particles. Particle size and Surface area increases when temperature increased. In case of molar ratio of copper oxide and zinc oxide changes. The particle size of the catalysts was slightly increased. Used the catalysts to synthesis of dimethyl ether (DME). The reaction took place under the pressure of 40 bar, 170 °C, syngas flow rate of 40 ml/min (CO/H2/Ar = 48/48/4 by mole), 1g of CuZnO/HZSM5 catalyst in 40 ml of methanol as a solvent. The experimental results indicated that Cu/ZnO catalysts were synthesized at 600°C with equal molar ratio provided the highest CO conversion of 17.36% with DME selectivity of 73.20%