Characterization of coal macerals using combined chemical and NMR spectroscopic methods

Resinite, sporinite, vitrinite, and inertinite macerals were separated from two high-volatile bituminous coals obtained from the Argonne Premium Coal Sample Program and one high-volatile bituminous coal from The Pennsylvania State University Coal Sample Bank. A survey of the chemical nature of these macerals was carried out by using chemical techniques in combination with solid 13 C NMR spectroscopy. Alkylation with 13 C-enriched methyl iodide followed by NMR analysis was used to determine the concentrations of acidic OH and CH sites in these materials. The hydroxyl and carboxylic acid contents of these macerals were also determined