Towards an improved understanding of the interaction of methanol over zeolite catalysts

Is room temperature methoxylation possible? The Methanol-to-Hydrocarbons reaction converts methanol to gasoline grade hydrocarbons via a solid acid catalyst (e.g. ZSM-5 and SAPO-34). Through previous experiments, INS has been used to characteristic the form of the 'hydrocarbon pool' that facilitates reaction. However, how the first hydrocarbons are produced is not fully understood. It is reported that methanol first methoxylates at temperatures above 200C to give surface methoxy species, which then reacts further. More recently, INS has indicated that this reaction could be taking place at room temperature. This proposal seeks to further develop our understanding of how methanol initially adsorbs on a sample of pre-treated ZSM-5 and SAPO-34. Comparisons between the two samples will discern how different degrees of surface acidity perturb low temperature methanol adsorption/reaction.