Effect of inorganic matter removal from coals and chars on their surface areas

Abstract

Removal of inorganic matter from coals by acid treatment brings about random and, in some cases, significant changes in surface areas measured by adsorption of N 2 and CO 2. Changes in surface areas of chars are generally more pronounced than those found in coals. However, the surface area changes in chars are markedly dependent upon whether the acid treatment is given to the coal precursor prior to charring or to the char produced from the raw coal. Changes in surface areas of raw coals and chars produced therefrom have been attributed to: (i) ‘physical’ removal of inorganic matter from the aperture-cavity system, (ii) bonding of HCl to basic nitrogen present in pyridine-like structures, and (iii) adsorption of acid. Results suggest that the removal of inorganic matter from coals prior to charring affects the carbonization process and, hence, the surface area of the resultant char.