Prediction of coal liquefaction reactivity by solid state 13C NMR spectral data

A method for the deconvolution of 13C NMR spectra of coals has been developed by using coal-like model compounds and various lithotypes separated from Yallourn brown coal which is rich in various types of oxygen-functional groups. The spectrum of coal was resolved into 24 peaks which were classified into nine types of carbon-functional group. This analytical method can be applied to all ranks of coal from lignite to anthracite. In addition, the liquefaction data of seven kinds of coal collected from five different countries were obtained by the operation of 1 t/d process support unit and 150 t/d pilot plant NEDOL process liquefaction plants. A good correlation was obtained for every reaction product between structural data derived from solid state 13C NMR spectra and liquefaction data of coals. This means that the yields of liquefaction products could be predicted from 13C NMR spectral data of coal.