Shenhua Coal-to-Liquid Company’s innovation and technology project under the “revelation and leadership” mechanism – Research on the mechanism of direct coal liquefaction

Research topics: 1. Study on the properties of solvents with high hydrogen supply capacity. Typical compounds derived from coal tar, liquefied oil, and even petroleum residue were selected as model compounds. Their hydrogenation properties were investigated using autoclaves and isotope tracing techniques, while the hydrogenation products were analyzed via isotope chromatography. This approach enabled an understanding of the hydrogen transfer behavior and hydrogen supply characteristics of solvents with different aromatic ring structures, thereby providing guidance for the selection of suitable hydrogen supply solvents. 2. Pathways of hydrogen transfer during the direct coal liquefaction process: By utilizing advanced in-situ characterization equipment and analytical methods, real-time analysis of the direct liquefaction reaction process is conducted. This enables determination of the mechanism by which hydrogen-donating solvents facilitate the transfer of hydrogen radicals during direct coal liquefaction, as well as the behavior patterns of hydrogen conversion into hydrogen radicals. Specific requirements: (1) Study the hydrogen-donating ability, hydrogen transfer behavior, and reaction mechanisms of different solvents (model compounds and real solvents) during direct liquefaction, so as to provide guidance for the selection of hydrogen-donating solvents ； (2) Explore the mechanism by which the hydrogen supply capacity of the hydrogen-supplying solvent influences the mitigation of the harsh conditions in coal direct liquefaction reactions ； (3) Taking into account the characteristics of cycle solvents in direct coal liquefaction, a simple and practical evaluation method for the hydrogen supply performance of solvents used in direct coal liquefaction is proposed ； (4) For the existing direct coal liquefaction processes, a feasible process route for preparing high-performance hydrogen-donor solvents for direct coal liquefaction is proposed. 3. Exploring the application of deep learning in the study of the direct liquefaction reaction process. 4. Direct liquefaction behavior under different liquefaction atmospheres. In the direct liquefaction process, if syngas or methane can be used directly as substitutes for synthesis, and if Fe present in this process can be utilized as a catalyst for in-situ hydrogen generation or activation, it is possible to partially address the issues related to the source of hydrogen and its use in this process. The project requires the use of an autoclave or a high-pressure thermobalance to study the direct liquefaction behavior of coal in syngas atmospheres and methane-containing atmospheres, thereby addressing the issues of hydrogen sourcing and CO2 emission reduction in the direct liquefaction process. 5. Reaction mechanism of catalysts: The development of other highly active catalysts, or the introduction of other active components such as Mo into existing Fe-based catalysts, can lead to a significant increase in oil yield as well as improved efficiency with reduced water usage. This project requires the use of devices such as the newly developed in-situ pyrolysis-vacuum ultraviolet single-photon/electron bombardment dual-ionization system, high-pressure thermobalance, and high-pressure reactor available in the laboratory. Fe-based catalysts as well as Fe-based catalysts modified with Mo are to be selected in order to study their mechanism of action during the direct liquefaction process. (1) Study the catalytic mechanism of iron, molybdenum, and iron-molybdenum composite catalysts in the direct liquefaction of coal ； (2) Propose an efficient, feasible, and cost-effective process route for preparing catalysts for direct coal liquefaction.

Expected outcomes: 1. Understand the addition/dehydrogenation behaviors of various polycyclic compounds; determine the molecular structural characteristics and hydrogenation properties of hydrogen-donor solvents, thereby providing guidance for the selection of suitable hydrogen-donor solvents in direct liquefaction； 2. Obtain real-time reaction data from the direct liquefaction process, and propose the transport and reaction mechanisms of the hydrogen supply solvent and hydrogen gas during this process ； 3. Propose a simple and easy-to-use evaluation method for the hydrogen supply performance of solvents used in direct coal liquefaction, as well as a feasible production process route for high-performance solvents of this type ； 4. Understand the influence of adding hydrogen-rich components such as syngas and methane on the coal direct liquefaction process, thereby providing new alternatives for hydrogen sources in this process ； 5. Elucidate the mechanism of action of additives or active components in catalysis during direct liquefaction, providing references and guidance for the development of direct liquefaction catalysts ； 6. Propose an efficient, feasible, and cost-effective process route for preparing catalysts for direct coal liquefaction. Deadline: June 2024

Requirements for the project proposer: The proposer should possess strong R&D capabilities, adequate research facilities, and a stable team of staff, in order to be able to complete the R&D tasks； One should possess good scientific research ethics and social integrity, with no adverse credit records in the past three years ； Be able to propose feasible solutions for overcoming the key core technologies in the project requirements, and acquire independent intellectual property rights ； Two or more legal entities are allowed to form a consortium to submit bids.

Deadline for submission: The deadline for submitting applications is April 15, 2022. Applications will be accepted starting from the date the call for proposals is issued, until all proposed projects have been completed. Submission of materials: Please submit relevant materials such as the proposal for applying for the project (with the official seal) to the designated email address by 17:00 on April 15, 2022. Contact information: Ma Cong, China Shenhua Coal to Liquids and Chemicals Co., Ltd., Phone: 15147704839, Email: cong.ma@ceic.com. Department of Science, Technology and Equipment, China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation: Wang Qian, Phone: 15811096956

Shenhua Coal-to-Oil Company’s Science and Technology Innovation Project – Pilot Study on the Production of Mesophase Asphalt from Coal Liquefaction Residues https://bbs.hcbbs.com/thread-3313386-1-1.html (Source: Huahai Chuanliu – Haichuan Chemical Industry Forum Website)