Catalytic dehydration of methanol to dimethyl ether (DME) over Pd/Cab-O-Sil catalysts Original Research Article

Ten wt.-% Pd/Cab-O-Sil reduced at 300°C has been found to be an effective catalyst for the catalytic dehydration of methanol to dimethyl ether (DME). The presence of hydrogen in the reagent stream inhibited the catalytic activity, but increased the stability of the catalyst. High reaction temperature and low methanol partial pressure did not favor DME formation.