摘要
Patents and previous research concerning the single-step synthesis of DME were reviewed. Rapid deactivation of the bifunctional catalyst is the main issue for the commercialization of the single-step synthesis process; in addition, the separation process and utilization of by-products have a larger impact on economic performance of the process. Recent progress involving the development of bifunctional catalysts and separation technology in the single-step process will most likely make the process commercially available in the near future.
