ETBE synthesis over silicotungstic acid and tungstophosphoric acid catalysts calcined at different temperatures


Degirmenci L., OKTAR N., Dogu G.

FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY, vol.91, no.7, pp.737-742, 2010 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 91 Issue: 7
  • Publication Date: 2010
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.fuproc.2010.02.007
  • Journal Name: FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.737-742
  • Keywords: Heteropoly acid catalysts, Calcination, ETBE, Ethanol, Catalyst deactivation, ETHER PRODUCTION, RESIN CATALYSTS, WELLS-DAWSON, DEHYDRATION, ETHANOL, HETEROPOLYACIDS, ADSORPTION, MECHANISM, KEGGIN, MTBE
  • Gazi University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Vapor phase ethyl tertiary butyl ether synthesis was investigated using heat treated heteropoly acid catalysts, namely silicotungtsic acid (STA) and tungstophosphoric acid-Keggin (TPA-K) and these results were compared with the results obtained with untreated catalysts. ETBE synthesis experiments showed that heat treatment of TPA-K at temperatures over 473 K had caused significant decrease of its catalytic activity. Activity of STA was more stable and deactivation of this catalyst was observed by heat treatment at 673 K and above. Heat treatment at high temperatures caused loss of constitutional water of STA and TPA-K, causing loss of protons, consequently the loss of acidity of the catalysts, resulting deactivation. FT-IR, TGA-DTA and DRIFTS analyses on pyridine-adsorbed catalysts supported the conclusions related to structural changes of STA and TPA-K with heat treatment. Highest ETBE yields were obtained at around 368 K, while at temperatures over 423 K formation of DEE and ethylene were observed due to dehydration of ethanol. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.