The simplest way to convert syngas to DME in one step is by combining a catalytst for methanol synthesis (say, Cu-Zn/Al2O3) and an acidic one for methanol dehydration (perhaps zeolites). However, the syngas used for this process usually doesn't contain unreacted methane remaining from the previous step (reforming). Is it possible that, if there were any methane in the feedstock, the performance of the catalyst mixture may be significanlty affected?
In the conditions of direct synthesis of dimethyl ether on a hybrid catalyst (5-6 MPa and about 500 K), methane will behave like an inert gas. Although methane can react with water, but not under these conditions. A much higher temperature is needed, different catalyst is used, and moreover, the increased pressure will shift the equilibrium of the possible reaction of methane with water towards the substrates. Regards,
DME production can be carried out in a single-step synthesis starting from syngas through the use of bifunctional catalysts (CuO–ZnO–MnO and zeolite) operated at 30–70 bar and 200–300◦C. At these conditions methane should not react with water; while high CO2 concentration may reduce the DME production.
have a look to the paper:
Ateka, A.; Sánchez-Contador, M.; Ereña, J.; Aguayo, A.T.; Bilbao, J. Catalyst configuration for the direct synthesis of dimethyl ether from CO and CO2 hydrogenation on CuO-ZnO-MnO/SAPO-18 catalysts. In Reaction Kinetics, Mechanisms and Catalysis; Springer: Berlin, Germany, 2018.
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