Direct Synthesis of Dimethyl Ether (DME) from Syngas Containing Oxygen Gas Considering of Biomass Gasfication Gas

We have developed appropriate and excellent catalysts for direct DME synthesis from syngas. The catalysts, Cu-Zn/Al2O3 catalysts prepared by the sol-gel method, produce DME with high DME activity and high DME selectivity with long durability even if the reaction gas containing oxygen gas and/or contaminated by oxygen gas. The reaction condition is milder reaction temperature and pressure compared with the usual direct DME synthesis catalysts (mixed catalysts of methanol synthesis catalysts and methanol dehydration catalysts). Using these catalysts for direct DME synthesis, the oxygen removal process of syngas from biomass, coal, and so on will be able to be neglected. Economical DME process will be developed using these catalysts.