Preparation of Some Bifunctional Catalysts for Direct Conversion of Synthesis Gas to Dimethyl Ether

In the present study, twenty three catalysts for dimethylether (DME) synthesis were prepared, according to a pre-designed research program consisting of four phases. In each phase, by applying the Taguchi experimental design method, a number of catalysts was synthesized by the co-precipitation method, using different percentages of metal nitrate solution. The activities of the catalysts were determined by applying a laboratory scale continuous packed bed reactor. It was noted that the ZnO content of the catalyst, nature of precipitant agent, mass ratio of gamma-alumina to total metal oxides and calcination temperature, had the highest impact on the activity of the catalysts.