Surface modified coals for enhanced catalyst dispersion and liquefaction, 1999

The purpose of this work is to enhance catalyst loading and dispersion in coal for improved liquefaction by preadsorption of surfactants onto coal. The diminishing supplies of petroleum requires that research be conducted to produce coal-derived liquids as supplements for transportation fuels. Catalyst dispersion on coal is dependent upon the nature of the catalyst and the coal surface. Pretreatment of the coal surface with an appropriate surfactant may enhance catalyst dispersion. Pretreatment of the coal surface with various surfactants is one of many methods used to enhance catalyst dispersion for improved liquefaction and gasification activities. The use of surfactants to increase the dispersion and stability of coal-water slurries is well known. However, the effects of surfactants on catalyst loading and dispersion prior to coal liquefaction have not been investigated. This thesis discusses the influence of the cationic surfactant dodecyl ethyl ammonium bromide (DDAB), anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and neutral surfactant Triton X-100 on the surface properties of Illinois No. 6 coal and its molybdenum uptake from solution