Coal Pyrolysis Characteristics and Mechanisms
Summary
The pyrolysis of coal involves the thermochemical decomposition of complex macromolecular structures into char, condensable volatiles (tar) and permanent gases under an inert atmosphere. Key characteristics include mass-loss profiles, reactive temperature ranges and the evolution of gaseous species such as H₂, CO, CO₂ and light hydrocarbons. Mechanistically, coal pyrolysis proceeds through sequential bond scission of aliphatic linkages and oxygen-containing functionalities, followed by the condensation and cross-linking of aromatic fragments. Mineral matter exerts a catalytic influence, altering bond-cleavage pathways, promoting dehydrogenation and deoxygenation reactions and modifying activation energies. The development of pore structure in residual char governs gas diffusion and subsequent gasification rates. Coal rank and inherent mineralogy further modulate pyrolysis reactivity and product distribution, with lower-rank coals releasing volatiles at lower temperatures and producing chars with larger pore volumes. Investigations into kinetics, via iso-conversional methods, have elucidated the energy barriers of distinct conversion stages, informing reactor design for industrial processes such as gasification, in-situ conversion and tar recovery. Understanding these characteristics is essential for optimising thermal conversion efficiency, reducing emissions and tailoring coal-derived streams for downstream chemical synthesis.
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Coal Pyrolysis Characteristics and Mechanisms publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in coal pyrolysis characteristics and mechanisms across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Pyrolysis: Thermal decomposition of coal organic matrix in the absence of oxygen.
Activation energy: Minimum energy required to initiate bond cleavage during pyrolysis.
Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA): Technique measuring mass change of a sample as temperature varies.
Functional groups: Specific atomic arrangements (e.g., aliphatic, aromatic, carbonyl) governing reactivity.
Pore structure: Morphology of char fractures affecting gas diffusion and reaction kinetics.
References
- Effect of demineralization on pyrolysis characteristics of LPS coal based on its chemical structure. International Journal of Coal Science & Technology (2023).
- Characteristics of gas evolution profiles during coal pyrolysis and its relation with the variation of functional groups. International Journal of Coal Science & Technology (2017).
- The Catalytic Effect from Alkaline Elements on the Tar-Rich Coal Pyrolysis. Catalysts (2022).
- Pyrolysis characteristics and microstructure evolution of different coal types. Energy Exploration & Exploitation (2022).
- Thermogravimetric study of the kinetics and characteristics of the pyrolysis of pulverized coal. Materials Research Express (2020).
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