| abstract |
An improved zeolite catalyst for use in, and a method of treating a zeolite catalyst to improve its performance in, the conversion of ethanol and/or ethylene to higher hydrocarbons containing from three to twelve carbon atoms comprising treating a zeolite having a SiO2 to Al2O3 ratio greater than 10 and being a ZSM or related type zeolite with a hydrogen halide, an organic halide capable of elimination of hydrogen halide, or a mineral acid. The treatment of the zeolite to improve its performance may occur simultaneously with, or prior to, the conversion of ethanol and/or ethylene to the higher hydrocarbons at a temperature up to 500 DEG C and a pressure of from 1 to 10 atmospheres for up to 70 hours. The conversion of ethanol to ethylene is also within the scope of the present invention. The industrial applicability of the present invention resides in the production of higher hydrocarbons which may be used as fuel or fuel supplements. |