NETL researchers are using analytical instruments to study in-situ (in-place) reactions of solid and gaseous fossil fuels such as coal and coal derivatives. These studies are important to developing cutting edge technologies including advanced, energy-efficient fossil power plants and long-term CO₂ storage (sequestration). These NETL facilities have unique capabilities to study reactions at high temperatures and/or pressures. The systems can be used to determine what causes reactions, and the extent of reactions, as well as chemical/physical changes that occur over time (reaction kinetics). Analytical instrumentation resources used in these studies employ both surface and bulk analysis techniques.

NETL researchers use these facilities in conjunction with facilities that conduct laboratory-scale sorbent/catalyst preparation and bench-scale sorbent/catalyst testing. Studies conducted using these facilities have led to advances in sorbent/catalyst development, gas/solid interactions, and surface characterization. Desulfurization sorbents have been developed that are applicable to a wide range of temperatures and are suitable for use with different fuel gas streams. In 2000, NETL received an R&D 100 Award for its RSV-1 Regenerable Desulfurization Sorbent. This work has been patented, licensed, and published.

Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) Systems

• Determines the extent of both gas/solid reactions and chemical kinetics
• High-temperature and high-pressure capabilities

Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy (FTIR) with High-Temperature Diffuse Reflectance Accessory/ Gas Exposure Cell

• Provides capability to study reaction mechanisms by identifying intermediates and reaction products formed in-situ during gas/solid reactions
• Chemical characterization and structural changes of materials

Scanning Electron Microscopy/X-Ray Microanalysis

• Determines elemental composition and distribution
• Determines surface morphology of materials at various magnifications through secondary electron and backscatter electron image acquisition
• Image processing and analysis
• In-situ analysis at high temperature
• Gas exposure capabilities to study gas/solid reactions
• Multisampling analysis capabilities

X-Ray Photoelectron and Auger Electron Spectroscopy

• Determines surface elemental composition and oxidation states of solid materials
• In-situ analysis at high temperatures
• Gas exposure capabilities to study gas/solid reactions
• Multisampling analysis capabilities

Atomic Force Microscopy

• Determines surface morphology and topography
• Provides atomic level resolution with 3-dimensional images

Other Analytical Capabilities for Physical and Chemical Characterization

Physical Characterization

• Particle size analyzer
• BET ( Brunauer Emmett Teller) surface area & pore volume analyzer
• Helium density analyzer
• Viscometers
• Specific gravity meter
• LECO calorimeter

Reaction Studies

• Volumetric absorption apparatus
• Micro reactor

Chemical Analysis

• X-ray fluorescence
• Atomic absorption spectroscopy
• C, H, N analyzer
• LECO sulfur analyzer
• Moisture, ash & volatile matter analyzer
• Gas chromatography
• Mass spectroscopy

Patents, Licenses, and Publications

For more information contact: Ranjani Siriwardane