Crystal size sensitivity of HMOR zeolite in dimethyl ether carbonylation

The effect of crystal size of HMOR from micro size to 50 nm, with the apparent similar acid site density, on catalytic performance for the dimethyl ether (DME) carbonylation was investigated. The crystal size of HMOR is sensitive to the deactivation rate of DME carbonylation reaction, and the higher stability around 200 nm can be achieved. The characterization studies reveal that the diffusions of MA product play a key role during the induction and deactivation period in DME carbonylation. These will be helpful for guiding the large-scale synthesis of mordenite zeolites catalysts with high efficiencies for DME carbonylation.