Dimethyl ether aromatization over nanosized zeolites: Effect of preparation method and zinc modification on catalyst performance

Nanosized zeolites prepared by in situ seed-induced synthesis and samples prepared by ion exchanging commercial zeolites were successfully synthesized and modified with zinc. Their catalyst performance was investigated in the dimethyl ether aromatization at high pressures (up to 10 MPa) and various WHSV. The use of in situ seed-induced zeolite leads to a higher yield of arenes (39.1%) against 35.5% over the conventional sample. Zinc modification reduces the total yield of aromatics (by 22%), primarily BTX arenes (by 60%), compared to the parent zeolite. Such behavior correlates with a decrease in acidity and B/L ratio after modification.