Scientists from the Krasnoyarsk Science Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, working with colleagues from Mongolia, and China, have developed a coal processing method that offers a cleaner, more efficient alternative to traditional use, according to TV BRICS.

 

One of the major advantages of the method is its lower environmental impact. The content of benzoapyrene in the processed material is much lower than in traditional coal tar pitch, and longer processing times help reduce harmful substances even further. 

 

Waste is kept to a minimum – no more than 8% regardless of the solvent used – helping to cut down on pollutants released into the environment, it stated.

 

The technology converts up to 97.5% of coal into polyaromatic hydrocarbons and resins – valuable raw materials for high-tech carbon products – while generating minimal waste and much lower levels of the carcinogen benzoapyrene, said TV BRICS, citing the official website of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

 

The international research team believes the technology could provide a sustainable option for the coal sector, helping to move beyond conventional coal burning. The materials produced can be used in making carbon fibre and other high-tech products, it added.

 

The process involves dissolving coal in special liquid. When heated to around 380°C, the coal breaks down and turns into a concentrated mixture of polyaromatic hydrocarbons. 

 

Importantly, the choice of solvent influences the quality of the final product, particularly its aromatic structure, which determines properties like heat resistance and chemical stability – essential for carbon composites.

 

The team found that coal tar as a solvent produced the most aromatic and chemically valuable material.