Abstract
The influence of using two, three and four templates on the catalytic performance of SAPO-34 catalyst during the methanol-to-olefins (MTO) reaction has been studied. SAPO-34 catalysts were prepared hydrothermally by applying various combinations of four organic templates (TEAOH, morpholine, DEA and TEA). The results showed that applying a combination of templates affects the activity and selectivity of samples by prolonging their life time. Comparing with a sample prepared by a single template, using more than one template enhances the methanol conversion and selectively of light olefins. Apart from the effect of the number of templates on the performance of these catalysts, acidity also plays a significant role. It was found that catalysts synthesised by two and four templates give better performance due to their mild acidity, smaller particle size and higher BET surface area.