Decomposition and aromatization of ethanol on ZSM-based catalysts

The adsorption, desorption, and reactions of ethanol have been investigated on pure and promoted ZSM-5 catalysts. FTIR spectroscopy indicated the formation of a strongly bonded ethoxy species on ZSM-5(80) at 300 K. TPD experiments following the adsorption of ethanol on both ZSM-5 and Mo2C/ZSM-5 have shown desorption profiles corresponding to unreacted ethanol and decomposition products (H2O, H2, CH3CHO, C4H10O, and C2H4). The main reaction pathway of ethanol on pure ZSM-5 is the dehydration reaction yielding ethylene, small amounts of hydrocarbons, and aromatics. Deposition of different additives, such as Mo2C, ZnO, and Ga2O3 on zeolite, greatly promoted the formation of benzene and toluene at 773-973 K, very likely by catalyzing the aromatization of ethylene formed in the dehydration process of ethanol. Separate studies of the reaction of ethylene revealed that the previous additives markedly enhanced the selectivity and the yield of aromatics on ZSM-5.