Catalytic Performances of Binder-free ZSM-5 Catalysts for Dehydration of Crude Methanol to Dimethyl Ether

A series of binder‐free ZSM‐5 catalysts and a binder‐containing catalyst were prepared and characterized with X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray fluorescence (XRF), ²⁷Al magic‐angle spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), N₂ sorption and ammonia temperature‐programmed deposition (TPD) methods. The catalytic activity and selectivity in the dehydration of crude methanol to dimethyl ether (DME) were evaluated in a fixed‐bed reactor for the catalysts. The outstanding structural characters such as high zeolite contents, sufficiently open channels and richness in mesopores have been proved on these binder‐free catalysts. The influence of the solid‐acidity, which is closely related to the framework silica alumina ratio (SAR) of the catalysts, on the catalytic properties has been discussed. A binder‐free catalyst with a better potential in application has been selected for its high activity and selectivity, long life‐time and non‐sensitivity to water contents in the feed. The reason for its excellent performance of the catalyst was discussed.