Dimethyl ether production via methanol dehydration using Fe3O4 and CuO over gamma-chi-Al2O3 nanocatalysts

Selective Fe3O4 and CuO catalysts supported on gamma-chi-Al2O3 were successfully prepared using the facile controlled precipitation method. The catalysts Fe3O4/gamma-chi-Al2O3 and CuO/gamma-chi-Al2O3 showed excellent catalytic activity at low temperatures between 250 and 290 degrees C and 1 atm pressure. According to the experimental works, Fe3O4/ gamma-chi-Al2O3 showed better activity and selectivity at 250 degrees C, related to better dispersion of its active phase within the pores of gamma-chi-Al2O3 and its lower activation energy, Ea = 46.4 kJ/mol. At 250 degrees C, Fe3O4/gamma-chi-Al2O3 presented a higher theorical partial pressure of DME related to its better catalytic performance in the methanol dehydration reaction.