A kinetic model of coke combustion in methanol‐to‐olefins catalyst regeneration: Considering coke species evolution

Abstract Methanol‐to‐olefins over SAPO‐34 zeolite catalyst is a strategically important non‐petroleum approach for light olefins (ethylene and propylene) production routes. A distinctive feature of this processes is that the light olefins selectivity is closely to the amount and nature of coke retained within the catalyst due to shape‐selective properties. Thus precise control of residual coke over catalyst during regeneration is equally essential, in terms of light olefins yield regulation, compared to that in the reactor. Herein, the detailed regeneration kinetics were established over a wide temperature range from fixed‐bed experiments distinguishing coke fractions with different properties. The kinetics reveal substantial differences in reactivity and temperature sensitivity among coke species, leading to distinct coke distributions and heat release behaviors under different regeneration conditions. This proposed kinetic framework enables precise control over different coke species during regeneration, thereby allowing targeted regulation of lower olefin selectivity.