Study on attrition of spherical-shaped Mo/HZSM-5 catalyst for methane dehydro-aromatization in a gas–solid fluidized bed

As a potential methane efficient conversion process,non-oxidative aromatization of methane in fluidized bed requires a catalyst with good attrition resistance,especially in the states of high temperature,longtime rapid movement and chemical reaction.Existing evaluation methods for attrition resistance,such as ASTM D5757 and Jet Cup test,are targeted for fresh catalysts at ambient temperature,which cannot well reflect the real process.In this study,spherical-shaped Mo/HZSM-5 catalyst prepared by dipping and spray drying was placed in a self-made apparatus for attrition testing,in which the catalyst attrition under different system temperatures,running time and process factors was investigated with percent mass loss(PML),particle size-mass distribution(PSMD)and scanning electron microscope(SEM).Carbon deposition on the catalyst before and after activation,aromatization and regeneration was analyzed by thermogravimetry(TG),and the attrited catalysts were evaluated for methane dehydro-aromatization(MDA).The results show that the surface abrasion and body breakage of catalyst particles occur continuously,with the increase of system temperature and running time,and make the PML rise gradually.The process factors of activation,aromatization and regeneration can cause the catalyst attrition and carbon deposits,which broaden the PSMD in varying degrees,and the carbon-substances on catalysts greatly improve their attrition resistance at high temperature.Catalyst attrition has a certain influence on its catalytic performance,and the main reasons point to particle breakage and fine powder escape.