This report describes the catalytic performances of AlPO4/ZSM-5 extrudates in comparison to conventional alumina- and silica-bound extrudates in the fixed-bed MTO (methanol to olefins) conversion. The novel AlPO4/ZSM-5 extrudates are produced with an aluminium phosphate binder which undergoes a phase transition into an AlPO4-tridymite phase upon calcination of the greenbodies. The finished AlPO4/ZSM-5 extrudates are macroporous and mechanically very stable. In contrast to alumina, this novel matrix does not exhibit catalytic self-activity, and it does not release aluminium which is incorporated in the zeolite lattice. At temperatures above 400 degrees C, AlPO4/ZSM-5 extrudates show superior activity, propylene selectivity and stability. The coke deactivation of AlPO4/ZSM-5 extrudates can further be reduced dramatically, if a pre-reactor is installed upstream, where an equilibrium mixture of dimethyl ether (DME), methanol and water (X-MeOH = 87.7% at 275 degrees C) is produced. In contrast, the insertion of the DME pre-reactor has no significant effect on the coke resistance when extrudates with alumina- or silica-matrices are used. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.