Understanding the coke formation and catalyst design for the zeolite catalysed methanol to olefin process

Methanol is readily and inexpensively produced from natural gas, coal or more recently, from CO2 and even biomass. The ability to convert methanol into fuels and light olefin was recognized early, and the first methanol to gasoline (MTG) process was commercialized in New Zealand in 1979. In addition to gasoline, the process also produced a mixture of light olefins, which attracted much research interests to selectively direct the conversion of methanol to olefin (MTO). Many zeolite catalysts have been developed for this reaction, which showed promising olefins yield and selectivity, but were rapidly deactivated due to hydrogen-depleted coke deposits on/in the catalyst. Among the developed zeolites, SAPO-34 and H-ZSM-5 are the most popular due to their acidity and pore structures.

This project will be oriented toward the understanding of the coke formation in zeolite catalysed MTO process helping the development of a highly efficient and stable catalytic processes for methanol conversion to olefin, with the objective of achieving catalysis by design rather than catalysis by ‘trial and error’. The coke formation will be carefully investigated using IR, Raman, N2 sorption, SEM/EDX and TEM-EELS. The experimental study of the molecular dynamics of the reaction in acidic zeolite and the mechanisms of coke formation will also be carried out by using neutron vibrational spectroscopy (subject to beam time application).

For UK/EU applicants: Applicants should have or expect to achieve a first class degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry. Candidates are expected to have strong experimental skills in materials synthesis and catalysis. Candidates with previous relevant experience and publications are highly desirable.

For Overseas applicants: Applicants are expected to be graduates (major in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry) from top national ranked universities (prefer top 100 world ranked universities) with excellent GPA and strong publications at masters level.