A green templated and nitrogen-incorporated SAPO-34 catalyst for enhanced MTO performance

This study presents a nitrogen-modified SAPO-34 catalyst (SPG), synthesized via a green templated method using coffee powder, to improve the efficiency and stability of the methanol-to-olefins (MTO) process. Compared to conventional SAPO-34 (SP), SPG demonstrates enhanced selectivity, stability, and longevity. Characterization shows a smaller crystallite size (38 nm vs. 46 nm), increased nitrogen incorporation, and well-distributed active sites, improving catalytic activity. Optimized acidity in SPG enhances methanol conversion while reducing coke formation. MD simulations reveal that nitrogen modification improves methanol retention and adsorption energy, promoting ethylene production. Performance tests show SPG achieving 92.6 % light olefin selectivity for 360 min, outperforming SP. Additionally, SPG exhibits superior hydrothermal stability and reduced coke deposition, making it a promising eco-friendly and cost-effective catalyst for industrial MTO applications. • Nitrogen-modified SAPO-34 (SPG) catalyst synthesized using a green, coffee-seed-assisted method. • Enhanced MTO performance, achieving 92.6 % light olefin selectivity for 600 min with improved stability. • Optimized acidity and structure, leading to better methanol conversion and reduced coke formation. • MD simulations confirm nitrogen incorporation benefits, boosting methanol retention and ethylene selectivity. • Sustainable and cost-effective synthesis, advancing eco-friendly catalyst design for industrial MTO applications.