Catalytic Enhancement of SAPO-34 for Methanol Conversion to Light Olefins Using in Situ Metal Incorporation

Parent and MeAPSO-34 (Me = Cu, Ca, and W) catalysts were synthesized for methanol conversion to more valuable products such as light olefins. The effect of metal presence on the catalytic performance and physicochemical properties were investigated. The comprehensive characterizations, XRD, EDX, FESEM, FTIR, N₂-BET, NH₃-TPD, and DR UV-vis, have been applied to characterize the metal modified SAPO-34. Even though the crystallinity of MeAPSO-34s decreased compared to that of parent SAPO-34, the diffusion and acidity properties were improved. Good activity and selectivity for olefin production were observed for all synthesized catalysts. Metal incorporation to the framework of SAPO-34 enhanced the catalytic lifetime and propylene yield. The methanol conversion was stable for 1 h over MeAPSO-34 with W/F = 6.6 g h/mol at 350 °C and 1 bar. The deactivation rate was higher for the parent SAPO-34 as compared to MeAPSO-34. CaAPSO-34 favored propylene production, while CuAPSO-34 favored ethylene.