Radiation-induced effects on alternative fuels

Abstract

After the so-called energy crisis occurred in the 70's 1 several macromolecules have been investigated as alternative energy and chemical feed stocks. Among several possibilities coal has received special attention due to its large proven reserves as well as the similarity between the products obtained by its processing and crude oil. 2-5 One of the constituents present in crude oil and coal-derived products is composed of brown solids, brittle, without a well-defined melting point named asphaltenes. 6 They are isolated from liquid fuels by precipitating the benzene-soluble material with hydrocarbons such as pentane or hexane. 7 In previous publications we have studied the effects of X-ray irradiation on solvent refined coal, 8 asphaltenes 9 and asphaltols. 1~ Using a proper analytical method based on liquid chromatography, developed in our laboratory, ix the irradiation products were studied. As a generall rule it was found that X-ray irradiation can promote decomposition of the macromolecules investigated thus producing lower molecular weight products including hydrocarbons. 8-I~ In the present work the chemical effects of y-ray irradiation of asphaltenes produced from coal are reported.