Asphaltenes and preasphaltenes from coal liquid extracts: Feedstocks to obtain carbon mesophase

Abstract

The aim of this work was to produce mesophase by using preasphaltenes and asphaltenes from coal liquid extracts obtained in a Direct Coal Liquefaction (DCL) process. Preasphaltenes and asphaltenes were carbonized at inert atmosphere at temperatures of 350, 400 and 450 °C during 180 min. The mesophase identification and quantification was performed by polarized light microscopy. The results showed that the highest concentration of mesophase (79% v/v), with mass yield of 12,4% w/w, was obtained from the asphaltenes treated at 400 °C. The highest mesophase global yield (with respect to coal fed) was 4,4% w/w.