Catalyst Composition and Process For Converting Aliphatic Oxygenates to Aromatics

Abstract

The invention relates to a novel catalyst composition La-M/zeolite, which consists essentially of from 0.0001 to 20 mass % of La (lanthanum); from 0.0001 to 20 mass % of at least one element M selected from the group consisting of molybdenum (Mo), cerium (Ce) and caesium (Cs); a zeolite of the 10-ring structure type; and optionally a binder (mass % based on total catalyst composition). The invention also relates to the use of the catalyst composition according to the invention in various reactions, for examples in making aromatics from aliphatic hydrocarbons or oxygenated hydrocarbons with good selectivity and activity. The invention further relates more specifically to a process for converting a feed stream comprising oxygenated lower aliphatic hydrocarbon compounds, especially methanol, to a product stream comprising aromatic hydrocarbons and olefins, especially BTX, which process comprises a step of contacting said feed with the catalyst composition according to the invention.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a catalyst composition comprising a lanthanum-containing zeolite. The invention also relates to the use of the catalyst composition according to the invention in various reactions, for example in making aromatics from oxygenated aliphatic hydrocarbons. The invention further relates to a process for converting a feed stream comprising oxygenated lower aliphatic hydrocarbon compounds to a product stream comprising aromatic hydrocarbons, which process comprises a step of contacting said feed with the catalyst composition according to the invention.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to a catalyst composition and a process for converting a feed stream comprising C1-C4 oxygenates to a product stream comprising C6-C8 aromatics.

[0003] Such a catalyst composition is known from patent publication U.S. Pat. No. 4,156,698, wherein a feed comprising C1-C4 monohydric alcohol is converted to a mixture of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons by contacting said feed with a composite catalyst consisting of a crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite, for example ZSM-5, and an aluminium matrix, modified with a mixture of rare earth metals, including lanthanum (La). A catalyst composition based on ZSM-5/alumina and containing 0.26 mass % of La is used to convert a methanol feed into gasoline boiling range hydrocarbons. Rare-earth modification of the alumina matrix would reduce decomposition of alcohol into carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and increase conversion to aromatics.

[0004] Aromatic hydrocarbon compounds like benzene, toluene and xylenes, together often referred to as BTX, are important building blocks in nowadays petrochemical industries. The general source of these compounds traditionally is refining of petroleum. Given the limitations in fossil petroleum resources, alternative sources for these aromatics are being developed.

[0005] Aliphatic oxygenates, which can be obtained from various carbon sources via for example synthesis gas, can be converted into a mixture containing aromatics like BTX; for which reaction various catalysts have already been proposed. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,894,103 aromatisation of a lower oxygenate compound like methanol by contacting with a crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite of specific constraint index and Si/Al ratio is described. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,724,270 it is taught that in the conversion of methanol to hydrocarbon the selectivity to aromatics improves if the acidity of the crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite of specific constraint index and Si/Al ratio of at least 12 is reduced by a thermal treatment of said catalyst.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,822,939 teaches to use a Ga-containing ZSM-5 type zeolite, having a Si/Al ratio of 5000-35000 before Ga-exchange, to catalytically convert C1-C4 aliphatic oxygenates into C2-C5 olefins with improved yields and reduced formation of C1-C5 paraffin. It is indicated that at least part of the Ga should be present in the zeolite framework in tetrahedral coordination to provide Bronsted acid sites, and the zeolite should be substantially free of aluminium in the framework.

[0007] In WO 03/089135 a pentasil-type aluminosilicate containing sodium, zinc and a mixture of rare-earth metals including La is disclosed; this catalyst is used to make a mixture comprising liquid hydrocarbons from lower aliphatic hydrocarbon oxygenates. Advantage of said catalyst is indicated to be high yield of high-octane hydrocarbons with a low aromatics content.

[0008] A steamed La-modified ZSM-5/silica/kaolin catalyst composition is disclosed in WO 99/51549. This catalyst is used to make a mixture comprising C2-C4 olefins from methanol; but showed only 2% methanol conversion.

[0009] A La--Cu/ZSM-5 composition is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,126,912, and used as catalyst for reducing NO.sub.x to NO.sub.2.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,866,741 discloses a La--Mo/betazeolite composition, which is applied as catalyst in converting C9+ aromatics into C6-C8 aromatics.

[0011] In WO 20005/080532 a La--Mo--Zn/Y-zeolite composition is disclosed, and shown to be useful as catalyst for converting C6+ hydrocarbons into linear C1-C5 alkanes.

[0012] There is a constant need in industry for catalysts and processes with improved performance in terms of overall process economics, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a new catalyst composition, which catalyst can for example be applied in a process for converting a feed stream comprising oxygenated lower aliphatic hydrocarbon compounds to a product stream comprising relatively high amounts of aromatic hydrocarbons, especially BTX.

[0013] This object is achieved according to the invention with a catalyst composition La-M/zeolite, which consists essentially of from 0.0001 to 20 mass % of La (lanthanum); from 0.0001 to 20 mass % of at least one element M selected from the group consisting of molybdenum (Mo), cerium (Ce) and caesium (Cs); a zeolite of the 10-ring structure type; and optionally a binder (mass % based on total catalyst composition).

[0014] The catalyst composition according to the invention surprisingly shows high productivity in combination with good selectivity in converting a feed stream comprising oxygenated lower aliphatic hydrocarbon compounds to a product stream comprising aromatic hydrocarbons. The catalyst also has the ability to convert aliphatics or mixtures of methanol and hydrocarbons to aromatics with a surprisingly high productivity and selectivity. The catalyst composition also has a lower cost in terms of metals used to modify zeolite.

[0015] Within the context of the present invention a zeolite, as comprised in the catalyst composition, is understood to mean an aluminosilicate, an aluminophosphate (AlPO) or a silicoaluminophosphate (SAPO). These inorganic porous materials are well known to the skilled man. An overview of their characteristics is for example provided by the chapter on Molecular Sieves in Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Volume 16, p 811-853; in Atlas of Zeolite Framework Types, 5.sup.th edition, (Elsevier, 2001), and also by above-cited patent publications. The zeolite in the catalyst composition according to the invention is a crystalline material with homogeneous pore size and channelling framework structures, and its pores or channels are characterized by a 10-ring structure. Such zeolites are also referred to as medium pore size zeolites, with pore dimensions in the range of from 5 to 7 .ANG.

Zeolites of the 12-ring structure type, like for example betazeolite, are also referred to as large pore sized; and those of the 8-ring structure type are called small pore size zeolites. In the above cited Altlas of Zeolite Framework Types various zeolites are listed based on ring structure.

[0016] Preferably, the zeolite is in the so-called hydrogen form, meaning that its sodium or potassium content is very low, preferably below 0.1, 0.05, 0.02 or 0.01 mass %; more preferably presence of sodium is below detection limits.

[0017] Preferably, the zeolite in the catalyst composition according to the invention is aluminosilicate. Any aluminosilicate that shows activity in converting aliphatic oxygenates to aromatics, before modifying with the specific metals of the invention, may be applied. Aluminosilicate zeolites can be characterized by the Si/Al ratio of the framework. This ratio may vary widely in the catalyst composition according to the invention. Preferably, the Si/Al ratio is from about 5 to 1000, more preferably from about 8 to 500, or from 10 to 300. Examples of suitable materials include the ZSM-series, or mixtures thereof. Preferred materials are those known as ZSM-5, ZSM-11, ZSM-23, ZSM-48 and ZSM-57.

[0018] Also aluminophosphates of medium pore size can be used as zeolite, like AlPO-11 or AlPO-41 are used.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment, the zeolite in the catalyst composition used in the process of the invention is a silicoaluminophosphate (SAPO). SAPO materials have properties of both aluminosilicates and aluminophopsphates. Any SAPO of medium pore size that shows activity in converting aliphatic oxygenates to aromatics, before modifying with the specific metals of the invention, may be applied.

[0020] The catalyst composition according to the invention consists essentially of a specific zeolite containing 0.0001-20 mass % of lanthanum (La), based on total catalyst composition. A certain minimum amount of lanthanum is needed to improve selectivity of the catalyst to form aromatics from aliphatic oxygenates; preferably the catalyst contains therefore at least 0.001, 0.005, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, or even 1 mass % of La. If the zeolite would contain too high an amount of metal, the pores of the zeolite might become at least partly clogged, resulting in a masking effect. The La-content of the catalyst thus preferably at most 15, 10, 8, 6, 5, or even at most 4 mass %.

[0021] The catalyst composition according to the invention consists essentially of a specific zeolite containing 0.0001-20 mass % of lanthanum (La) and from 0.0001 to 20 mass % of at least one element M selected from the group consisting of molybdenum (Mo), cerium (Ce) and caesium (Cs), based on total catalyst composition. Presence of one or more of these elements is found to increase aromatics production from aliphatic oxygenates. Therefore, the catalyst preferably contains at least 0.001, 0.005, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, or even at least 1 mass % of said elements; but at most 15, 10, 8, 6, or 5 mass %.

[0022] The La-M/zeolite catalyst composition according to the invention preferably contains at least two elements selected from the group consisting of Mo, Ce, and Cs, to further improve performance in for example methanol conversion to aromatics.

[0023] In a further preferred embodiment, the La-M/zeolite catalyst composition according to the present invention further contains copper (Cu) and/or Zinc (Zn) as (a) further element(s) in addition to the elements M as defined herein; both elements may be present in the same amounts as indicated above for La and the at least one element M. Such preferred catalysts according to the invention include La--Mo--Zn/zeolite and La--Mo--Cu--Zn/zeolite.

[0024] Preferably, total metal content of the La-M/zeolite composition according to the invention is from 0.1 to 25 mass %, or from 0.2 to 20 mass %.

[0025] The various metal elements contained in the catalyst according to the invention may be present in the zeolite structure as framework or non-framework elements; as counterions in the zeolite; on its surface, e.g. in the form of metal oxides; or be present in a combination of these forms.

[0026] The catalyst composition La-M/zeolite according to the invention as described above can optionally contain a binder; that is a component that does not negatively affect its catalytic performance, but mainly serves to provide physical integrity and mechanical strength to the catalyst particles. A binder may comprise a support or filler, mainly intended to dilute catalyst activity; and also binder material, which serves as a glue to hold the components together; both functions may also be combined in one material. Such binder is known to a skilled person. Examples of suitable materials include aluminas, silicas, clays such as kaolin, or combinations thereof. Preferably the binder, if used, is silica.

[0027] The catalyst composition according to the invention can be prepared by suitable methods of preparing and modifying zeolites as well known to the skilled person; including for example impregnation, calcination, steam and/or other thermal treatment steps.

[0028] If the catalyst composition in addition to the modified zeolite is to contain a binder, such composition can for example be obtained by mixing the modified zeolite and a binder in a liquid, and forming the mixture into shapes, like pellets or tablets, applying methods known to the skilled person.

[0029] The invention also relates to the use of the catalyst composition according to the invention as a catalyst in various chemical reactions, for example in making aromatic hydrocarbons from aliphatic hydrocarbons and/or oxygenated hydrocarbons.

[0030] The invention further relates more specifically to a process for converting a feed stream comprising oxygenated C1-C10 aliphatic hydrocarbon compounds to a product stream comprising aromatic hydrocarbons, which process comprises a step of contacting said feed with the catalyst composition according to the invention.

[0031] In the process according to the invention any hydrocarbon feedstock which comprises oxygenated lower aliphatic hydrocarbon compounds can be used as feed stream. Oxygenated hydrocarbon compounds are herein defined to include hydrocarbons containing aliphatic moieties and at least one oxygen atom, such as alcohols; ethers; carbonyl compounds like aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids.

[0032] Preferably, the oxygenated hydrocarbon compounds contain 1 to about 4 carbon atoms. Suitable oxygenated hydrocarbons include straight or branched chain alcohols, and their unsaturated analogues. Examples of such compounds include methanol, ethanol, iso-propanol, n-propanol, dimethyl ether, diethyl ether, methyl ethyl ether, formaldehyde, dimethyl ketone, acetic acid, and their mixtures.

[0033] Preferably, the feed stream in the process according to the invention comprises C1-C4 alcohols and/or their derivatives, more preferably the feed comprises methanol and/or its derivatives, like a methanol/dimethyl ether mixture.

[0034] The feed stream may further contain one or more diluents, the concentration of which may vary over wide ranges; preferably diluents form about 10-90 vol % of the feed. Examples of suitable diluents include helium, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and water.

[0035] The feed stream may also contain other non-aromatic hydrocarbons, like paraffins and/or olefins; especially C1-C5 hydrocarbons. In a preferred way of performing the process according to the invention, the feed stream contains aliphatic hydrocarbons that are recycled from the product stream, for example after removing aromatic components, and which are then for example mixed with an oxygenates containing stream before contacting with the catalyst composition. The advantage hereof is that a higher conversion to aromatics is obtained, because the catalyst of the invention is also active for converting paraffins and olefins to aromatics.

[0036] The step of contacting the feed stream with the catalyst composition can be performed in any suitable reactor, as known to a skilled man, for example in a fixed bed, a fluidized bed, or any other circulating or moving bed reactor.

[0037] The contacting step may be performed at a temperature range of about 250 to 750.degree. C. A higher temperature generally enhances conversion to aromatics, the temperature is therefore preferably at least about 300, 350, or 400.degree. C. Because higher temperatures may induce side-reactions or promote deactivation of the catalyst, the temperature is preferably at most about 700, 600, or 550.degree. C. The reaction temperature preferably ranges between 400 to 550.degree. C.

[0038] Suitable pressures to conduct the contacting step are from about atmospheric to 3 MPa, preferably pressure is below about 2.5, 2.0, 1.5, 1.0 or even below 0.5 MPa.

[0039] The flow rate at which the feed stream is fed to the reactor may vary widely, but is preferably such that a weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) results of about 0.1-500 h.sup.-1, more preferably WHSV is about 0.5-250 h.sup.-1, or 1-100 h.sup.-1. WHSV is the ratio of the rate at which the feed stream is fed to the reactor (in weight or mass per hour) divided by the weight of catalyst composition in said reactor; and is thus inversely related to contact time.

[0040] The product stream in the process according to the invention comprises aromatic hydrocarbons, in addition to saturated and unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons, and optionally non-converted oxygenates.

[0041] In a preferred way of operating the process according to the invention, yield of aromatics is further increased by feeding the product stream to a subsequent second reaction step, wherein the reaction mixture made is contacted with a further catalyst composition to increase the contents of aromatics, for example by catalytically converting aliphatic hydrocarbons, especially olefins, present in the product stream. Suitable further catalysts include the catalyst composition of the invention, and any aromatization catalyst mentioned in the prior art.

[0042] The invention will now be further illustrated with below described experiments.

Comparative Experiment A

[0043] Aluminosilicate ZSM-5 (from Zeolists) was calcined at 550.degree. C. Catalyst particles of 40-60 mesh size were loaded into a tubular fixed bed reactor for the conversion of methanol. The reaction was conducted at a temperature of 450.degree. C. and pressure of 1 atmosphere at a weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) of 9 h.sup.-1 with respect to methanol feed. Product stream composition was analysed by standard GC techniques. The results are summarized in Table 1.

[0044] Catalyst activity is measured as the amount of liquid organic compounds formed per hour; the amount of liquid organics being a measure for the amount of aromatic compounds formed. Further in Table 1 TMB means trimethylbenzenes; E BTX is defined as the mass % of the total BTX in the product divided by the methanol conversion (in mass %) and multiplied by 100; .SIGMA. Xylene is mass % of the total xylenes (m,p,o) in the product divided by methanol conversion (in mass %), multiplied by 100.

Comparative Experiment B

[0045] ZSM-5 (65%) and alumina Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (35%) were mixed in water and impregnated with mixture of 1.1% Re.sub.2O.sub.3 and dried at 120.degree. C. overnight, and then calcined at 550.degree. C. Catalyst in 40-60 mesh size was loaded into tubular fixed bed reactor for the conversion of methanol. The reaction was conducted at a temperature of 450.degree. C. and pressure of 1 atmosphere at weight hour space velocity (WHSV) of 9 with respect to methanol feed. The results of test runs are given in table.1

Comparative Experiment C

[0046] A catalyst was prepared by ion-exchange and thermal treatment of commercially available ZSM-5 aluminosilicate (from Zeolists), with the desired amount of metals and following known procedures. 0.6 g of lanthanum nitrate (from Fluka) was dissolved in 100 g of distilled water and heated at 60-65.degree. C. with continuous stirring. 10 g of ZSM-5 was added to the lanthanum nitrate solution and heated at 85.degree. C. for 8 hours in a closed vessel (about 2 mass % of La added to ZSM-5); then the material was filtered and washed with 2 litres of hot water. The resultant catalyst slurry was dried in a closed oven at 120.degree. C. for 16 hrs. The dried material was subsequently calcined in a rotary furnace with 1.degree. C. temperature increase per minute to 450.degree. C., and held at that temperature for 6 hrs.

[0047] Catalyst of particle size 40-60 mesh was loaded into a tubular fixed bed reactor for the conversion of methanol. The reaction was conducted at a temperature of 450.degree. C. and pressure of 1 atmosphere at a weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) of 9 h.sup.-1 with respect to methanol feed; results are given in Table 1.

Comparative Experiment D

[0048] Catalyst was prepared as in Comparative experiment C, but now 5 g of lanthanum nitrate was dissolved in 100 g of distilled water; resulting in about 16 mass % of La added to ZSM-5.

[0049] Methanol conversion reaction was performed as in Comparative experiment C; results are given in Table 1.

Comparative Experiment E

[0050] Analogously to CE C a La-modified catalyst was prepared starting from a commercially available beta-zeolite (from Zeolists).

[0051] Dried and calcined catalyst of 40-60 mesh size and containing about 2 mass % of La was used for conversion of methanol, analogous to Comparative experiment C. Table 1 summarizes the results.

Comparative Experiment F

[0052] A gallium-containing zeolite catalyst was prepared, following the procedure of U.S. Pat. No. 4,822,939, by first calcining ZSM-5 (from Zeolists) at 538.degree. C. Then 4 g of calcined ZSM-5, 8 g of gallium nitrate in hydrated form, and 60 g of water were put in a teflon bottle, and heated to 150.degree. C. for 18 hours. The resultant product was washed and changed into ammonium form, followed by calcination in air.

[0053] Catalyst in 40-60 mesh size was loaded into a tubular fixed bed reactor for the conversion of methanol. The reaction was conducted as in Comparative experiment C, and results are summarized in Table 1.

EXAMPLE 1

[0054] Analogous to CE C a modified ZSM-5 catalyst was prepared, applying 0.6 g of lanthanum nitrate dissolved in 100 g of distilled water; and 0.5 g of molybdenum oxide, 0.06 g of zinc oxide and 2.6 g of cupric nitrate trihydrated dissolved in 100 g of water at 85.degree. C. Both solutions were mixed and 10 g of ZSM-5 was added to this solution and heated at 85.degree. C. for 8 hours in a closed vessel; resulting in about 2 mass % La, 3 mass % Mo, 0.5 mass % of Zn and 7 mass % of Cu being added to ZSM-5.

[0055] Dried and calcined catalyst was used for conversion of methanol, analogous to Comparative experiments C and D. Table 1 shows a marked improvement in productivity and BTX selectivity.

EXAMPLE 2

[0056] Catalyst was prepared by ion exchange and thermal treatment of the commercial available ZSM-5 from Zeolists with the desired amount of metals. 0.6 g of lanthanum Nitrate (fluka) was dissolved in 100g of distilled water and heated at 60-65.degree. C. on with continuous stirring. 0.5 g of molybdenum oxide and 0.06 g of zinc oxide were dissolved into 100 g of water at 85.degree. C. at Ph 5. Both solutions were mixed and 10 g of ZSM-5 was added to this solution and heated at 85.degree. C. for 8 hours in a closed vessel. This represents about La (2%), Mo (3%), and Zn (0.5%) added to ZSM-5. Resultant catalyst was filtered and washed with 3 litres of hot water. The resultant catalyst slurry was dried in a closed oven at 120.degree. C. for 16 hrs. The dried catalyst was calcined in rotary furnace with 1.degree. C. temperature increase per minute till 450.degree. C. and held at 450.degree. C. for 6 hrs.

[0057] Catalyst in 40-60 mesh size was loaded into tubular fixed bed reactor for the conversion of methanol. The reaction was conducted at a temperature of 450.degree. C. and pressure of 1 atmosphere at weight hour space velocity (WHSV) of 9 with respect to methanol feed. The results of test runs are given in table 1.

EXAMPLE 3

[0058] Analogous to Comparative experiment C a catalyst was prepared by ion exchange and thermal treatment of ZSM-5 (from Zeolists) with 0.6 g of lanthanum nitrate dissolved in 100 g of distilled water, and 0.5 g of molybdenum oxide dissolved in 100 g of water; resulting in about 2 mass % of La and 3 mass % of Mo in ZSM-5.

[0059] Dried and calcined catalyst of 40-60 mesh size was used for conversion of methanol, analogous to Comparative experiment C. Table 1 summarizes the results.

EXAMPLE 4

[0060] Analogous to Comparative experiment C a catalyst was prepared by ion exchange and thermal treatment of ZSM-5 (from Zeolists) with 0.6 g of lanthanum nitrate dissolved in 100 g of distilled water, and 0.7 g of cesium nitrate dissolved in 100 g of water; resulting in about 2 mass % of La and 4.5 mass % of Cs in ZSM-5.

[0061] Dried and calcined catalyst of 40-60 mesh size was used for conversion of methanol, analogous to Comparative experiment C. Table 1 shows a marked improvement in productivity and BTX selectivity.

Comparative Experiment G

[0062] Comparative experiment C was repeated, but now a mixed feed consisting of methanol/ethylene/propylene/N2 (36:7.7:6.3:50) is reacted over the catalyst at 450.degree. C. and 1 atm, with a total flow of 65 cc/min The results are presented in Table 2.

Comparative Experiment H

[0063] Comparative experiment F was repeated, but now a feed consisting of methanol/ethylene/propylene/N2 mixture (36:7.7:6.3:50) is reacted over the catalyst at 450.degree. C. and 1 atm, and with a total flow of 65 cc/min. Results are given in Table 2.

EXAMPLE 5

[0064] Example 2 was repeated, but now a feed consisting of a methanol/ethylene/propylene/N2 mixture (36:7.7:6.3:50) is reacted over the catalyst at 450.degree. C. and 1 atm, and with a total flow of 65 cc/min. Results are given in Table 2, and show a significant improvement in productivity and aromatics selectivity over La-modified zeolite and Ga-modified zeolite (CE G and H).

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 increment in increment in increment in increment in productivity .SIGMA. BTX .SIGMA. Xylenes .SIGMA. Aromatics Productivity relative to .SIGMA. relative to relative to relative to Methanol (liquid Comparative .SIGMA. Aromatics Comparative Comparative Comparative Conversion organics) experiment B BTX .SIGMA. Xylenes (total) TMB experiment B experiment B experiment B Experiment wt % g/hr % wt % wt % wt % wt % % % % Comparative 100 1 33 5.95 3.19 8.69 0 42 25 34 experiment A Comparative 95 0.75 base 4.2 2.55 6.50 0 base base base experiment B Comparative 100 1.23 64 8.64 4.65 11.75 1.02 45 82 81 experiment C Comparative 100 0.83 10 7.13 3.68 9.85 0.27 20 44 52 experiment D Comparative 100 0.43 -57 9.01 5.11 13.0 0.31 52 100 100 experiment E Comparative 100 0.93 31 7.16 3.61 8.90 0.77 20 42 37 experiment F Example 1 100 1.35 80 10.15 5.52 13.4 1.83 71 116 106 Example 2 100 1.86 148 13.77 7.98 18.8 2.31 103 212 189 Example 3 100 1.07 42 7.27 4.14 9.85 1.25 22 62 52 Example 4 100 1.32 76 10.63 5.52 12.88 1.03 78 116 98

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 increment in increment in increment in increment in productivity .SIGMA. BTX .SIGMA. Xylenes .SIGMA. Aromatics Productivity relative to relative to relative to relative to Methanol (liquid Comparative .SIGMA. .SIGMA. Comparative Comparative Comparative Conversion organics) experiment H .SIGMA. BTX Xylenes Aromatics TMB experiment H experiment H experiment H Experiment wt % g/hr % wt % wt % wt % wt % % % % Comparative 100 0.56 72 16.36 8.3 21.58 1.75 71 83 129 experiment G Comparative 100 0.32 base 9.54 4.54 12.41 0.76 base base base experiment H Example 5 100 1.26 287 38.92 17.76 48.8 2.79 307 291 293

Claims

1. A La-M/zeolite catalyst composition comprising of from 0.0001 to 20 mass % of La (lanthanum); from 0.0001 to 20 mass % of at least one element M selected from the group comprising molybdenum (Mo), cerium (Ce) and caesium (Cs); a zeolite of the 10-ring structure type; and optionally a binder (mass % based on total catalyst composition).

2. The catalyst composition according to claim 1, wherein the zeolite is a crystalline aluminosilicate.

3. The catalyst composition according to claim 2, wherein the aluminosilicate is selected from the group consisting of ZSM-5, ZSM-11, ZSM-23, ZSM-48 and ZSM-57.

4. The catalyst composition according to claim 1 containing 0.01-10 mass % of La.

5. The catalyst composition according to claim 1 containing 0.01-10 mass % of at least one element M selected from the group consisting of Mo, Ce or Cs.

6. The catalyst composition according to claim 1 containing at least two elements selected from the group consisting of Mo, Ce, and Cs.

7. The catalyst composition according to claim 1 further containing copper (Cu) and/or Zinc (Zn).

8. A process for converting a feed stream comprising oxygenated C1-C10 aliphatic hydrocarbon compounds to a product stream comprising aromatic hydrocarbons, which process comprises a step of contacting said feed with a La-M/zeolite catalyst composition comprising from 0.0001 to 20 mass % of La (lanthanum); from 0.0001 to 20 mass % of at least one element M selected from the group consisting of molybdenum (Mo), cerium (Ce) and caesium (Cs); a zeolite of the 10-ring structure type; and optionally a binder (mass % based on total catalyst composition).

9. The process according to claim 8, wherein the feed stream comprises C1-C4 alcohols and/or their derivatives.

10. The process according to claim 8, wherein the feed stream comprises methanol and/or its derivatives.

11. The process according to claim 8, wherein the feed stream further comprises C1-C5 hydrocarbons.

12. The process according to claim 8, wherein temperature is from 250 to 750.degree. C., pressure is from atmospheric to 3 MPa, and WHSV is from 0.1 to 500 h.sup.-1.

13. A La-M/zeolite catalyst composition consisting essentially of from 0.0001 to 20 mass % of La (lanthanum); from 0.0001 to 20 mass % of at least one element M selected from the group consisting of molybdenum (Mo), cerium (Ce) and caesium (Cs); a zeolite of the 10-ring structure type; and optionally a binder (mass % based on total catalyst composition).