The fluorescence interference in Raman spectrum of raw coals and its application for evaluating coal property and combustion characteristics

Abstract

Fluorescence interference in Raman spectrum is a big barrier for rapid and precise analysis of coal structures by Raman spectroscopy. Dealing with fluorescence interference suitably is one of the key tasks before efficient application of Raman spectroscopy in coal assessment. In this study, Raman spectra and coal combustion characteristics of 32 kinds of Chinese coals were respectively obtained in a micro-Raman spectrometer and Thermal Gravimetric Analyzer. The degree of fluorescence interference in Raman spectrum was firstly defined and quantified as the drift coefficient α using a simple method without curve-fitting the spectrum. The correlations between the degree of fluorescence interference and coal property, coal combustion characteristics were set up and multivariable analysis was done. The results indicate that the degree of fluorescence interference is well related to the coal structures, and it is synthetically determined by volatile, moisture and ash content in coal. With the increase of volatile, moisture content in coal, the fluorescence interference increases continuously, and it can be reduced but not eliminated by drying the moisture in coals. Significant mathematical relations between the drift coefficient α and volatile, moisture content, coal combustion characteristic temperatures have been found. Coal with more evident fluorescence interference in Raman spectrum usually has lower degree of coalification, more polar functional groups, and burns at a lower temperature. The drift coefficient α can act as an efficient probe for coal property and coal combustion characteristics. This study provided a new and simple approach for evaluating coal property and coal combustion characteristics by fluorescence interference in Raman spectrum.