Patent ID: 7033972

Claim:
A catalyst for producing dimethyl ether, the catalyst being produced by a method comprising forming a layer comprising a methanol synthesis catalyst which comprises copper oxide, zinc oxide and alumina, around alumina particles, the alumina particles having an average size of 200 μm or less, wherein the methanol synthesis catalyst layer formed around said alumina particles is in an amount of 0.05 to 5 parts by weight to 1 part by weight of the alumina, wherein the layer is produced by a method comprising: (a) forming a slurry by introducing the alumina particles into an aqueous solution containing a metallic salt of one or more active elements of the methanol synthesis catalyst; (b) heating the slurry at a temperature of 50 to 90° C. to provide a heated slurry; (c) neutralizing the heated slurry with a base solution, whereby the one or more active elements of the methanol synthesis catalyst form deposits on the alumina particles; (d) allowing the slurry to stand for a sufficient time or subjection the slurry to a mild agitation for aging to sufficiently develop the deposits; and (e) washing the layer with an acidic aqueous solution.