Enhanced stability in the methanol-to-olefins process shown by SAPO-34 catalysts synthesized in biphasic medium

SAPO-34 molecular sieves have been synthesized using two-liquid phase system (water/hexanol) in presence of hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) or hexadecylamine (HA) as surfactant agents. This synthesis method causes higher silicon incorporation as well as greater diversification of the silicon distribution in the SAPO-34 network and decreases catalyst deactivation in the methanol-to-olefins process.We are thankful for the financial support of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, projects MAT2009-13569 and MAT2012-31127. TAM acknowledges CSIC for a PhD grant.Peer Reviewe