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Title: Characterization of solid reaction products from wet oxidation of pyrite in coal using alkaline solutions

Journal Article · · Scanning Electron Microsc.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5144492

Oxidation of pyrite alone and pyrite embedded in coal by leaching with hot solutions of sodium carbonate containing dissolved oxygen under pressure produces hematite, the major solid reaction product. The hematite is deposited as a concentric rim surrounding the core of unreacted pyrite. The thickness of the rim is greater for products obtained after longer leaching time or under conditions of higher oxygen partial pressure. The product is identified as hematite by X-ray diffraction analysis. Data from scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis show that under these conditions of desulfurization, phase transformations occur (from pyrite to hematite). In addition, great differences in porosity of the two zones (core and rim) are observed. The nature and extent of these transformations are discussed in terms of the desulfurization potential of pyrite in coal. (10 refs.)

OSTI ID:
5144492
Journal Information:
Scanning Electron Microsc.; (United States), Vol. 1980:I
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English