Novel catalytic methods for the upgrading of coal liquids

Abstract

Reproducible preparation of a number of modified clay and clay~like materials
by both conventional and microwave-assisted chemistry, and their subsequent characterisation, has been achieved, These materials are designed as hydrocracking catalysts for the upgrading of liquids obtained by the processing of coal.
Contact with both coal derived liquids and heavy petroleum resids has
demonstrated that these catalysts are superior to established proprietary
catalysts in terms of both initial activity and deactivation resistance, Of
particular activity were a chromium-pillared montmorillonite and a tin
intercalated laponite, Layered Double Hydroxides (LDH's) have exhibited
encouraging thermal stability.
Development of novel methods for hydrocracking coal derived liquids, using a commercial microwave oven, modified reaction vessels and coal model
compounds has been attempted. Whilst safe and reliable operation of a high
pressure microwave "bomb" apparatus employing hydrogen, has been
achieved, no hydrotreatment reactions occurred,

Date of Award	Apr 1999
Original language	English
Supervisor	William R. McWhinnie (Supervisor)