F. Pinto, I. Gulyurtlu, L. S. Lobo and I. Cabrita
INETI, Azinhaga Lameiros, Estrada Paço do Lumiar, 1699 Lisboa Codex, Portugal
Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Quinta da Torre, 2825 Monte da Caparica, Portugal
Abstract
Pre-treatment of coal with swelling solvents may enhance coal porosity and thus facilitate catalyst action. The yields of products obtained by coal liquefaction were very much dependent on the type of swelling solvent used. Those studied included ethanol, tetrahydrofurane (THF) and tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAH). After this treatment coal was liquefied using ZnCl2 as catalyst, both alone and mixed with Fe2O3 or ICI 41-6 (Co–Mo). When ethanol was used, the highest coal conversion was obtained, although this solvent had the lowest swelling ratio, probably because a better catalyst impregnation was achieved. On the other hand, although the swelling ratio of TBAH was the greatest, lower overall coal conversions and higher oils yields were observed. In an attempt to interpret these results, coal structure before and after swelling pre-treatment was also studied using SEM."
So, during processes to convert coal into liquids suitable for refining into fuels, when renewable, and carbon-recycling, ethanol was used, "the highest coal conversion was obtained".
Note, too, mention of ICI's Cobalt-Molybdenum catalyst, and it's effectiveness in coal conversion processes. We have previously documented ICI's research into the use of coal as a source of raw materials for plastics manufacturing; and, the use of cobalt and molybdenum as two, among, it seems, many, catalysts that can effect the, apparently, well-known conversion of coal into valuable hydrocarbon liquids has also been very well established.
What makes this Portuguese research remarkable is the fact that it istwo years before the report of this coal-to-liquid research. Portuguese. Never a significant producer of coal to begin with, Portugal, according to web-based sources, ceased all coal mining activity in 1996,
Still, they seem to believe that the potential benefits of converting even imported coal into needed liquid fuels was rewarding enough to pursue research and development.
Why don't we seem to exhibit much of the same sort of healthy self-interest in the heart of US Coal Country?