Sulphur distribution in Illinois No. 6 coal subjected to different oxidation pre-treatments

Abstract

The effect of different oxidation pre-treatments on the sulphur distribution in Illinois No. 6 coal (IBC-101) was studied using Atmospheric Pressure-Temperature Programmed Reduction (AP-TPR). Oxidation pre-treatments were carried out on demineralized coal with peroxyacetic acid (PAA) as a function of reaction time. For the longest reaction time the effect of PAA on the coal was compared to the effect of several other oxidants. AP-TPR results also show a clear effect of LiAlH4 on the coal. Not only is pyrite removed, but there is also a decrease in other sulphur forms. Subsequent PAA oxidation causes an overall decrease of the AP-TPR signal, signifying the attack on organic as well as inorganic sulphur forms. With other oxidants, under the same conditions, only minor differences could be found after different treatments. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.