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Title: Characterization of arsenic in oil shale and oil shale derivatives by X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Conference · · Energy and Fuels; (USA)
OSTI ID:5235966
; ; ;  [1]
  1. Schlumberger-Doll Research, Ridgefield, CT (USA)

X-ray absorption spectroscopy using synchrotron radiation is ideally suited for in situ characterization of trace elements down to the 1 ppm level. With this technique, the chemical nature of the arsenic species in oil shales and derivatives was investigated. Model compound studies revealed that the arsenic absorption edge is sensitive to the oxidation state and covalency of the arsenic environment, shifting from 11 870 eV in metal arsenides and arsenic(III) sulfides to 11 876 eV in arsenic(V) oxides. The arsenic edge of a Green River oil shale (GROS) showed two peaks, consistent with the presence of a metal arsenide or arsenic(III) sulfide as well as an As(V) species. The relative intensities of these two peaks varied in other shales, indicating primarily oxidized arsenic in Rundle Munduran Creek shale to primarily reduced arsenic in Brazilian Irati shale. Concentration of the GROS kerogen resulted in selective removal of the oxidized arsenic species. The merits and potential pitfalls of applying X-ray absorption to complex materials are discussed.

OSTI ID:
5235966
Report Number(s):
CONF-8704303-; CODEN: ENFUE
Journal Information:
Energy and Fuels; (USA), Vol. 2:2; Conference: Symposium on the surface chemistry of coals, Denver, CO (USA), 5-10 Apr 1987; ISSN 0887-0624
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English