SAPO-34 zeolite is considered to be an effective catalyst for methanol or dimethyl ether conversion to olefins. In this study

we developed the

In situ

synthesis technology to prepare SAPO-34 zeolite in kaolin microspheres as a catalyst for fluidized methanol or dimethyl ether to olefins process. The silicoaluminophosphate zeolite was first time reported to be synthesized in kaolin microspheres. The SAPO-34 content of synthesized catalyst was about 22% as measured by three different quantitative methods(micropore area

X-ray fluorescence and energy dispersive spectroscopy element analysis). Most of the SAPO-34 zeolites were in nanoscale size and distributed uniformly inside the spheres. The catalytic performance was evaluated in fixed bed and fluidized bed reactors. Compared with the conventional spray-dry catalyst

SAPO/kaolin catalyst showed superior catalytic activities

better olefin selectivities(up to 94%

exclusive coke)

and very good hydrothermal stability. The

In situ

synthesis of SAPO-34 in kaolin microspheres is a facile and economically feasible way to prepare more effective catalyst for fluidized MTO/DTO(methanol to olefins/dimethyl ether to olefins) process.