(617gj) Effect of Dehydration on Dmc Synthesis Via Oxidative Carbonylation over Ceria Based Catalysts

In this study, ceria- based catalysts were prepared for DMC (dimethyl carbonate) synthesis and reaction conditions were evaluated for finding the optimal reaction route. The catalytic reactions were studied under various experimental conditions at a continuous reactor (fixed bed) and a batch reaction (autoclave). In order to find optimal catalysts for DMC synthesis, co-catalysts (or dehydration agent), calcination temperature and Cu(II) impregnation amount were evaluated. The oxidative carbonylation using methanol, carbon monoxide and oxygen and the direct synthesis using methanol and carbon dioxide were introduced for producing DMC. Following the law of Le Chatelier, the dehydration reaction was applied for enhancing the reactivity (methanol conversion) as removing water during the reaction. 2-cyanopyridine, as a chemical dehydration agent, was used. In the case of the oxidative carbonylation, methanol conversion rate increased from 15.1% to 38.7% and the DMC selectivity increased from 88.8% to 98.8%. In the case of the direct synthesis, methanol conversion rate increased from 1.0% to 77.8% and the DMC selectivity increased from 41.2% to 100.0%. The optical, physical, and chemical characteristics of synthesized catalysts were analyzed using BET, XRD, SEM, EDX, and TGA before and after reaction and breakthrough tests.