An integrated separation scheme for coal-derived liquids using ion-exchange and adsorption chromatography

Abstract

A separation scheme for coal-derived liquids has been developed that separates by functionality into discrete compound classes using ion-exchange resins; neutrals are further subdivided into fractions differing in polarity, structure, and molecular weight by adsorption chromatography. Sufficient material can be separated to allow further characterization at both gross structural and molecular levels. It gives excellent overall reproducibility (+/- 4%) and recovery (>97%). Removal of acidic and base species prior to recovery of the liquefaction solvent by distillation is a major advantage of the method because it leads to a reduction both in the loss of lower boiling components and in the potential thermal alteration of the sample. The selectivity and discrimination of the procedure are demonstrated for a Victorian brown coal (Loy Yang field) liquefaction product as shown by spectroscopic and chemical analyses of its major fractions. The use of this method as a chemical probe can facilitate investigation of liquefaction mechanisms by enabling a ready selection for analysis of components varying according to a choice of parameters encompassing functionality, polarity, and structure. 29 references, 7 figures, 5 tables.