CATALYTIC PROCESSES IN THE PRODUCTION OF METHANOL AND METHANOL BASED FUELS

The synthesis of methanol from coal and natural gas appears to be an attractive option in Australia's future energy needs. The recent development by Mobil of a catalytic process to convert methanol to high octane gasoline has added to this attractiveness. Methanol may also be used as a source of olefines for the polymer industry. Technology for methanol synthesis is highly developed but more efficient operation will result from the development of more active catalysts enabling increased productivity per unit volume of convertor. Catalysts for hydrocarbon synthesis from methanol are only a recent development and is an area for highly productive applied research. This paper reviews the catalysts and processes for these important reactions and outlines possible areas of research in the search for more effective catalysts (A). (TRRL)