The high-yield direct synthesis of dimethyl ether from CO2 and H2 in a dry reaction environment

Abstract

Direct dimethyl ether (DME) synthesis from CO₂ and H₂ is considered a promising production route. However, this process is thermodynamically and kinetically restricted by the presence of water as a byproduct. In this study, a water-conduction membrane was incorporated into the direct DME synthesis reactor to generate a dry reaction environment. In the absence of water, the activities of the CO₂ hydrogenation catalyst (CZA) and methanol dehydration catalyst (HZSM-5) were boosted 4- and 10-fold, respectively, and single-pass CO₂ conversion of up to 73.4%, far beyond equilibrium, and DME yields of up to 54.5% were obtained. Moreover, the good protection of the catalysts against fast deactivation was demonstrated.