Optimization of nano-sized SAPO-34 synthesis in methanol-to-olefin reaction by response surface methodology

Nano-sized silicoaluminophosphate-34 (SAPO-34) molecular sieves were successfully synthesized hydrothermally using ultrasonic and microwave-assisted aging processes. The catalytic performances of synthesized catalysts were studied for methanol to olefin (MTO) reaction in a fixed-bed reactor. In order to optimize the production of ethylene and propylene in MTO reaction, Box-Behnken experimental design was applied for deep understanding of the effects of ultrasonic and microwave-assisted aging method in synthesis of SAPO-34. The results showed that ultrasonic and microwave-assisted aging shortened the crystallization time and increased ethylene and propylene production. (C) 2014 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.