Conversion of dimethyl ether to hydrocarbons catalyzed by Pd-loaded *MRE zeolites

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The influence of Pd loading on the conversion of dimethyl ether (DME) to hydrocarbons (DTH) was investigated for *MRE-type zeolite catalysts. Catalysts with different Pd loadings were prepared by incipient wetness impregnation and characterized in terms of morphology, composition and acidity. Co-feeding of H 2 during DME conversion increased the resistance of the Pd/*MRE catalysts to deactivation, which significantly increased their lifetimes and thus conversion capacities. The product spectra show high olefin contents, comprising light olefins and higher olefins in the C 5 -C 11 range, while contents of aromatics are low. H 2 co-feeding reduces the formation of cyclic hydrocarbons and increases the formation of n- and iso-alkanes as well as olefins. Higher Pd loadings slightly decrease olefin production but increase paraffin formation, indicating direct hydrogenation of olefins on Pd nanoparticles. The olefin-rich products offer several possibilities for further processing to fuels and chemicals. • High yield of olefins in DME conversion by using *MRE zeolite catalysts • Extended catalyst lifetimes by co-feeding of hydrogen • *MRE zeolites with different Pd loadings prepared by incipient wetness impregnation • Extended catalyst lifetimes by modification with Pd • Pd enables integration of H 2 into the hydrocarbon pool