Deactivation mechanisms for SAPO-34 MTO catalysts

The main objective of the project is to enhance the understanding of deactivation of catalysts, with a specific focus on a microporous silicon substituted aluminiphosphate catalyst, SAPO-34, used especially for natural gas conversion. In order to obtain a full description of local order, long range order and disorder in the catalyst material, a number of complementary characterization techniques will be used. We intend to follow the structural changes associated with irreversible deactivation processes. A n important element will be in-situ studies, where the catalyst is investigated under process conditions, or under e.g. severe hydrothermic conditions. We intend to obtain an understanding of the silicon distribution, agglomeration and desilification in t he catalyst, which is intimately linked to the catalytic activity. In the first year (revised project) we intend to focus the attention on structural studies of the microporous material under deactivation (hydrothermic conditions) using in-situ synchrotr on X-ray powder diffrtaction. In addition we will study the changes in the structure of the catalyst when going from ambient conditions to simulated operating conditions.