Continuous DMC Synthesis from CO2 and Methanol over a CeO2 Catalyst in a Fixed Bed Reactor in the Presence of a Dehydrating Agent

Methanol and carbon dioxide are continuously and efficiently converted to dimethyl carbonate (DMC) over a CeO2 catalyst using 2-cyanopyridine as a recyclable dehydrating agent in a fixed bed reactor. The process was operated over a wide range of pressure (1–300 bar) by feeding CO2 and the stoichiometric amount of methanol and 2-cyanopyridine mixture into the reactor. The study shows a successful demonstration of direct DMC synthesis mediated by a dehydrating agent with outstanding methanol conversion (>95%) and dimethyl carbonate selectivity (>99%) under optimized conditions. Remarkably higher reaction rates were achieved compared to those in batch operation.