Catalysis chemistry of dimethyl ether synthesis

Dimethyl ether (DME) is receiving great attention as a clean alternative fuel, owing to the increasing energy demand. Despite tremendous efforts, catalytic synthesis of DME via a high efficient route remains a great challenge. Catalyst design is at the heart of enhancing the catalytic efficiency of DME synthesis. In this paper, we pay close attention to recent advances on the evolution of catalysts for direct dehydration from methanol and for the tandem catalysis from synthesis gas (syngas). The progress in metal deposition mode, support modification, and reaction routes is encouraging in recent years. In addition, significant challenges and future research scope in DME synthesis are focused as well.