This study focused on the effect of alumina properties on the catalytic performance in the dehydration of methanol to synthesize dimethyl ether. The catalysts (γ-Al 2 O 3 and η-Al 2 O 3 ) were prepared from boehmite and bayerite, respectively, via calcination at various temperatures. With heat treatment, the properties of alumina have been changed significantly. Under identical reaction conditions, γ-Al 2 O 3 calcined at 500°C and η-Al 2 O 3 calcined at 600°C showed the highest catalytic activity, because of high acid site density among the same types of alumina. Interestingly, η-Al 2 O 3 showed higher catalytic activity than γ-Al 2 O 3 , although both catalysts possess comparable acidic properties. This means the structure type of alumina is crucial to determine catalytic performance in this reaction.

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