Effects of adding metals to Beta zeolite on ethanol conversion to hydrocarbons

• Published in: Catalysis today Vol. 445; p. 115048
• Main Authors: Costa, Roberta de Souza, Cavalcante, Raquel Massad, Silva, Mônica Antunes Pereira da
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.02.2025
• Subjects: Beta zeolite; Ethanol; Hydrocarbons; Metals; Propylene; Beta zeolite; Propylene; Hydrocarbons; Ethanol; Metals
• ISSN: 0920-5861
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cattod.2024.115048

This study investigated the effects of Beta zeolite ion exchange with Fe, Zn, and Co on ethanol conversion to hydrocarbons. Various characterization techniques such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), X-ray diffraction (XRD), magic angle rotation nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry (MAS NMR) of 29Si and 27Al, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nitrogen physisorption, ammonia temperature-programmed desorption (NH3-TPD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed. Catalytic tests were performed at temperatures from 475 to 550 °C under ambient pressure. The metal addition to Beta zeolite reduced micropore area and volume, decreased the concentration of the extra-framework aluminum, and increased total acid site density and Lewis acid sites, except for Fe. For all catalysts, ethylene was identified as the primary product. However, catalysts containing Zn and Co displayed the formation of propylene and C1 to C3 paraffins. The catalyst with Fe exhibited the highest deactivation and a significant decrease in acidity, attributed to the formation of extra-framework aluminum, resulting in exclusive ethylene production. [Display omitted] •The addition of Fe, Zn and Co to Beta was evaluated for enhancing ethanol conversion.•Adding Fe to Beta reduces acidity and acid site density.•Zn and Co addition to Beta increases Lewis acid sites and decreases Brönsted sites•Zn and Co catalysts produce propene and C1 to C3 paraffins.•ZnBeta is stable with a small variation in propylene, C4 and C6+productivities.