Methanol to Gasoline (MTG): Preparation, Characterization and Testing of HZSM-5 Zeolite-Based Catalysts to Be Used in a Fluidized Bed Reactor

The preparation of catalysts suitable for MTG processes in a fluidized bed reactor has been studied with emphasis on improving the textural, physico-chemical, morphological, structural and mechanical properties. A mixture of HZSM-5 zeolite (active material), boehmite or bentonite (binder) and alumina (inert filler) was used to prepare different catalysts. After preparation, characterization by physical adsorption of N2, XRF, XRD and SEM-EDX techniques was carried out. The screening of catalysts was performed in a fluidized bed reactor. The distribution of products was very similar in all cases, with the yield of light hydrocarbons always being higher than that of gasoline. Among the catalysts tested, the one containing boehmite as a binder (HZ_Boeh) was found as the most appropriate due to its high mechanical strength, high yield to aromatics and lower yield to durene.