Synergistic effect of zinc and manganese in Cu-Mn-Zn/Y catalyst for syngas-to-dimethyl ether

Cu-Mn, Cu-Zn and Cu-Mn-Zn supported on zeolite Y were tested for the synthesis of dimethyl ether (DME) directly from synthesis gas in a fixed-bed reactor, and characterized by means of H₂-TPR, XRD and TPD. The results showed that Zn was beneficial to the reducibility and H₂ chemiadsorption of the catalysts, but decreased the ability of CO chemiadsorption; Mn was beneficial to CO adsorption, but decreased the reducibility and ability of H₂ chemisorption. Thus, the synergic effects of Zn and Mn in Cu-Mn-Zn/zeolite-Y catalyst grew more and stronger adsorption sites of H₂ and CO, made a favorable catalyst for direct DME synthesis. Consequently, the Cu-Mn-Zn/zeolite-Y catalyst exhibited the best catalytic performance for direct synthesis of DME was duo to the synergic effects of Zn and Mn to the proper adsorption ability of H₂ and CO.