Recent Developments in Catalysts for Methanol-to-Olefins (MTO) Reactions: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

Abstract—Methanol to Olefins (MTO) remains a strategic conversion in the petrochemical conversion chain based on natural gas or biomass feedstock to generate Fresh or light olefins, in particular ethylene and propylene, are applicable to polymerizations and chemical manufacture. This paper aims to give a current literature synthesis of the MTO process containing advances in catalysts, mechanism of reactions, and process improvements. The critical evaluation of the various challenges associated with the MTO process such as catalyst deactivation, selectivity, and formation of byproducts are discussed in detail. The review also discusses advancements in catalyst design with particular emphasis on new-generation zeolite-based catalysts, hybrid catalysts and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which have proved to give improved catalytic activity, selectivity and stability. Also, the possibility of using renewable feedstocks for MTO, notably bio-methanol, is analyzed as a strategy that can improve the sustainability characteristics of the technology. The paper also focuses on issues related to the environment, including CO2 emissions and energy consumption, which can be solved using more efficient and environmentally friendly MTO technologies. Lastly, the prospects for the further improvement of the MTO process concerning catalyst lifetime, the intensification of the process, and the description of how the MTO process is integrated with other responses.