Clay-activated transformation of humic acid at high pressure and temperature

The hydrothermal transformation of humic acid in the presence of montmorillonite has been investigated. At a pressure of 100 MPa and a temperature of 300°C, humic acid was transformed into a coal-like macromolecule after 10 days. Besides being enriched in hydrogen and aromatic rings, the product showed regions of long-range structural order. Hydrothermal treatment in the absence of clay led to extensive decomposition of the humic acid.