Semi-indirect synthesis of LPG from syngas: Conversion of DME into LPG

Efficient conversion of dimethyl ether (DME) into liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) with a hybrid catalyst is a novel method for semi-indirect synthesis of LPG fuel from syngas. The hybrid catalysts consisting of zeolite and hydrogenation catalyst were investigated in a fixed bed reactor. Experimental results demonstrated that the hybrid catalyst consisting of (Pd/SiO₂) and USY efficiently converted DME into LPG and restrained decomposition of DME into CO and H₂. With that catalyst, the one through conversion of DME reached about 100%, almost no CO and CO₂ were produced and selectivity for LPG was more than 65%.