Methanol to Olefins (MTO): Understanding and Regulating Dynamic Complex Catalysis

The research and development of methanol conversion into hydrocarbons have spanned more than 40 years. The past four decades have witnessed mutual promotion and successive breakthroughs in both fundamental research and industrial process development of methanol to olefins (MTO), demonstrating that MTO is an extremely dynamic, complex catalytic system. This Perspective summarizes the endeavors and achievements of the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, in the continuous study of reaction mechanisms and process engineering of the dynamic, complex MTO reaction system. It elucidates fundamental chemical issues concerning the essence of the dynamic evolution of the MTO reaction and the cross-talk mechanisms among diffusion, reaction, and catalyst (coke modification), which are crucial for technology development and process optimization. By integrating the chemical principles, the reaction-diffusion model, and coke formation kinetics of MTO, a mechanism- and model-driven modulation of industrial processes has been achieved. The acquisition of a deepening understanding in chemistry and engineering has facilitated the continuous optimization and upgrading of MTO catalysts and processes.