Transformation of methanol to gasoline range hydrocarbons using HZSM-5 catalysts impregnated with copper oxide

Various CuO/HZSM-5 catalysts were studied in a fixed bed reactor for the conversion of methanol to gasoline range hydrocarbons at 673 K and at one atmospheric pressure. The catalysts were prepared by wet impregnation technique. Copper oxide loading over HZSM-5 (Si/Al=45) catalyst was studied in the range of 0 to 9 wt%. XRD, BET surface area, metal oxide content, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric (TGA) techniques were used to characterize the catalysts. Higher yield of gasoline range hydrocarbons (C₅-C₁₂) was obtained with increased weight % of CuO over HZSM. Effect of run time on the hydrocarbon yields and methanol conversion was also investigated. The activity of the catalyst decreased progressively with time on-stream. Hydrocarbon products’ yield also decreased with the increase in wt% of CuO. Relatively lower coke deposition over HZSM-5 catalysts was observed compared to CuO impregnated HZSM-5 catalyst.