Depth profile study of large-sized coal samples by Fourier transform infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy

Journal Article · Sat Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 1986 · Appl. Spectrosc.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1366/0003702864509475· OSTI ID:6089213

Zerlia, T

A multidisciplinary approach is demonstrated to elucidate coal weathering at a molecular level. Fourier Transform Infrared Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (FT-IR/PAS) provides a technique for a compositional depth profile of coal by simply varying the modulation frequency (mirror velocity) of the light impinging upon the solid surface. In order that the potential of this technique in this field could be evaluated, large-sized coal samples were examined. The PA difference spectra obtained from the spectra taken at different modulation frequencies (i.e., different depths), on a sample aged in air, demonstrate the appearance of negative features in the CH infrared absorption which are indicative of a coal alteration. Therefore, different coal layers can be distinguished by FT-IR/PAS. The application of the same technique to the study of a coal sample heated in air at 200/sup 0/C allows the detection of different oxidation mechanisms operating inside and outside the coal. Although quantitative results are difficult to obtain, the technique can be successfully proposed for a qualitative description of coal weathering.

• Research Organization: Stazione Sperimentale per i Combustibili, Viale A. De Gasperi, 3, 20097 San Donato Milanese MI, Italy
• OSTI ID: 6089213
• Journal Information: Appl. Spectrosc.; (United States), Vol. 40:2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
COAL
DECOMPOSITION
QUALITATIVE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
WEATHERING
AGING
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
INFRARED SPECTRA
PHOTOACOUSTIC SPECTROSCOPY
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
MATERIALS
SPECTRA
SPECTROSCOPY
010600* - Coal
Lignite
& Peat- Properties & Composition