Direct synthesis of dimethyl ether (DME) from syngas

We have developed appropriate and excellent catalysts for direct DME synthesis. The catalysts, Cu-Zn/Al2O3 catalysts prepared by the sol-gel method, produce DME with high DME activity and high DME selectivity under milder reaction temperature and pressure compared with the usual direct DME synthesis catalysts (mixed catalysts of methanol synthesis catalysts and methanol dehydration catalysts). It will be the reason why the methanol synthesis active sites (copper) and the methanol dehydration active sites (alumina) on the sol-gel Cu/Al2O3 catalysts exist closer than those of the mixed catalysts.