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Abstract

Oxymethylene ethers are a diesel additive/alternative, which reduce pollutant emissions. Based on methanol, it is possible to produce them from renewable energy and CO₂. Sulfonated ion exchange resins are known to catalyze the synthesis of OME in liquid phase. Here, we report that the sulfonated polymer polyether-ether-ketone (S-PEEK) exhibits outstanding catalytic properties in the gas phase synthesis of OME_n. PEEK was reacted with gaseous SO₃ to a degree of 22 % sulfonated monomer units. Using this material as a catalyst in the direct conversion of formaldehyde and methanol, an extraordinary selectivity to OME₁ and OME₂ of 93 % at equilibrium conversion of 55 % was obtained. Further, it was shown that the catalyst is stable for more than 60 h, and that with increasing reaction time selectivity to OME₂ increases.