Some aspects of catalytic activity of pyrolyzed coals

Abstract The influence of additives of initial coal and selected pyrolysates of this coal on the reaction rate constant was investigated during the test reaction of breakage of ether bonding. It was stated that pyrolyzed coal at the stage of maximally swollen grains increases the destruction rate constant by 16.7 times. The pyrolysates were investigated using X-ray diffraction, electron scanning microscopy (SEM), and FT–IR spectroscopy. The resistivity values were measured for the coal and its pyrolysates. Dichloromethane extracts of the pyrolyzed coals were analyzed by gas chromatography. It was proved that the composition and structure of substances in the layer of maximally swollen grains differ substantially from those of substances in the nearby layers. The authors suggest that in the maximally swollen grains some substances can be formed which have catalytic influence on the reaction of breakage of ether bonding.