DISPROPORTIONATED FERRIC SULFIDE CATALYSTS FOR COAL-LIQUEFACTION

Above 5 degrees C, ferric sulfide disproportionates into mixtures of p yrite (PY), pyrrhotite (PH), and elemental S, with the relative amount s depending upon disproportionation temperature and time. The PH/PY mi xtures are used as catalysts for coal liquefaction, with the optimum m ixture corresponding to disproportionation at 200 degrees C for 1 h. R eactions of Fe during disproportionation and liquefaction are postulat ed and confirmed by AA, AES, and XRD. The iron loading has a nonlinear effect on conversion and yield.