Abstract
The application of ESCA (electron spectroscopy for chemical applications) to the study of the structure, bonding and reactivity of coals, kerogens and bitumen samples has been examined, with particular reference to torbanite, vitrinite, kimmeridge kerogen, brown coal and Gilsonite pitch. The ESCA valence band spectra and C l s band profiles of a rank rangeof coal samples are discussed. Differences in C l s signal between naturally occurring heat altered coal and the unaltered coal are reported. The surface sensitivity of the ESCA experiment reveals enriched silicon and aluminium concentrations on the cleaved surfaces of grahamite bitumen, relative to bulk ESCA analyses. Surface oxidation of anthracite through atmospheric weathering is found to be amenable to study by ESCA and substantial oxidation of the coal occurs after an exposure period of one week. Artificially induced oxidation by means of low power radiofrequency oxygen plasma treatments have been performed. In the case of Gilsonite pitch the distribution of oxidized carbon functionality is found to differ from that reported during the irradiation of Gilsonite in u.v. light (254 nm) in air.
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