Catalytic Enhancement of SAPO-34 for Methanol Conversion to Light Olefins Using in Situ Metal Incorporation

Parent and MeAPSO-34 (Me = Cu, Ca, and W) catalysts were synthesized for methanol conversion to more valuable products such as light olefins. The effect of metal presence on the catalytic performance and physico-chemical properties were investigated. The comprehensive characterizations, XRD, EDX, FESEM, FTIR, N-2-BET, NH3-TPD, and DR UV-vis, have been applied to characterize the metal modified SAPO-34. Even though the crystallinity of MeAPSO-34s decreased compared to that of parent SAPO-34, the diffusion and acidity properties were improved. Good activity and selectivity for olefin production were observed for all synthesized catalysts. Metal incorporation to the framework of SAPO-34 enhanced the catalytic lifetime and propylene yield. The methanol conversion was stable for 1 h over MeAPSO-34 with W/F = 6.6 g h/mol at 350 degrees C and 1 bar. The deactivation rate was higher for the parent SAPO-34 as compared to MeAPSO-34. CaAPSO-34 favored propylene production, while CuAPSO-34 favored ethylene.