Coal liquefaction by the hydrogen produced from methanol, 4. effect of catalyst species

Abstract

Liquefaction of Taiheiyo Japanese coal by hydrogen generated in situ from the decomposition of methanol was examined using various kinds of methanol decomposition and hydrogenation catalysts with conversion compared. CuO containing methanol decomposition catalysts had maximum activity and the maximum yield of oil distilling up to 600°C was nearly 80 wt.% (daf base). Using model compounds the mechanism was examined. This catalyst has high activity in methanol decomposition, and for the splitting of bridge linkages as well as in hydrogenation of aromatic rings. Hydrogenation catalyst also had a significant contribution on the increase of coal conversion, especially in the yield of oil distilling at lower temperatures. Alumina or silica-alumina supports prevent the conversion because they accelerate the synthesis of dimethyl ether from methanol. In such cases the hydrogen amount generated in situ from the decomposition of methanol decreased.