Finding the active species: The conversion of methanol to aromatics over Zn-ZSM-5/alumina shaped catalysts

The Zn-loaded zeolite ZSM-5 is an active and promising catalyst for the conversion of methanol to aromatics with high yield. In this work, we have investigated catalytic performance shaped Zn-ZSM-5/alumina catalysts in reaction at industrially relevant pressures. This has been combined extensive characterization identify Zn species. It clear that introduction leads improved lifetime when carried out elevated pressure. A shift from pathways leading alkane formation molecular hydrogen during production observed. For industrial catalysts, incorporation conveniently by impregnation after shaping. significant migration into ion exchange positions observed upon calcination impregnated it these species are reaction. At loadings, ZnAl2O4 observable X-ray absorption spectroscopy, but not detectable diffraction, formed alumina binder.