McRae, C., Snape, C.E. and Fallick, A.E. (1998) Variations in the stable isotope ratios of specific aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons from coal conversion processes. Analyst, 123, pp. 1519-1523. (doi: 10.1039/a801899e)
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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/a801899e
Abstract
To establish the scope for applying gas chromatography-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (δ13C GC-IRMS) to molecular recognition problems in coal utilisation, 13C/12C isotope ratios were determined for n-alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)as a function of coal rank and process conditions. Six coals ranging from a lignite to a low volatile bituminous coal were subjected to chloroform extraction, fixed-bed pyrolysis under hydrogen pressure (hydropyrolysis) and fluidised-bed (flash) pyrolysis. No significant variations in the stable isotope ratios of n-alkanes were evident as a function of either rank or conversion regime. In contrast, the isotope ratios of PAHs show large variations with those for hydropyrolysis (-23 to -25‰) being similar to the bulk values of the initial coals and being isotopically heavier (less negative) than their fluidised-bed pyrolysis counterparts by 2-3‰. However, the PAHs from fluidised-bed pyrolysis, which resemble closely those obtained from high temperature coal carbonisation, are still heavier (by 2-3‰) than those from diesel particulates and coal gasification and combustion residues. This provides a firm basis for the source apportionment of airborne PAHs in the proximity of coking plants, particularly with no major variations in the PAH isotope ratios being found as a function of rank.
Item Type: | Articles |
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Keywords: | Gas chromatography-isotope ratio mass spectrometry, coal, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, n-alkanes, carbonisation, pyrolysis |
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Fallick, Professor Anthony |
Authors: | McRae, C., Snape, C.E., and Fallick, A.E. |
Subjects: | Q Science > QE Geology G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences |
College/School: | College of Science and Engineering > Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre |
Journal Name: | Analyst |
ISSN: | 0003-2654 |
ISSN (Online): | 1364-5528 |
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