LAUSR

The thermal transformation of coal and lignite in the presence of Cu(NO3)2 activator (5 wt %) is investigated as a function of the atmospheric composition. The copper nitrate is supported on to the samples by the incipient wetness with Cu(NO3)2 solution in water and alcohol. The effect of the activator is studied as a function of the gas (air/argon) composition, by thermogravimetric analysis with heating at 10°C/min in the range 25–800°C, at atmospheric pressure. With change in gas composition, the activity of Cu(NO3)2 changes. Specifically, the thermal transformation is shifted to lower temperature: Δt = 33°C for lignite and 70°C for coal. With increase in oxidant (air) content in the gas, the activity of the added Cu(NO3)2 increases: that is, Δt increases. By mass spectrometry, the gaseous oxidation products of the coal are analyzed. The upper temperature limits on the peaks of nitrogen-oxide (NOx) liberation are determined as a function of the gas composition.