Effect of ZSM-5 Acidity in Enhancement of Methanol-to-Olefins Process

The skyrocketing demand for olefins especially propylene, have necessitated continuous efforts in finding alternate route for olefins production. Hence, methanol to olefins (MTO) was recognized as a feasible process since methanol could simply be mass produced from any gasifiable carbon-based feedstock, such as natural gas, coal, and biomass. Essentially, obtaining a more stable catalyst would improve economy of the MTO process. Acidity of catalyst has major influence in MTO, thus it is an indispensable parameter for conversion of methanol into value-added products. The present paper discusses the reactions involved in MTO process and the effect of acidity in enhancement of light olefin selectivity and catalytic stability. The paper also captured perspectives of crucial research and future direction for catalysts development and technologies that can potentiallly boost olefin production and make it competitive with the conventional olefin production processes.