Microporosity in coal: its characterization and its implications for coal utilization

Abstract

The characterization of the microporosity in coals with the use of measurements of (i) non-steady-state diffusion of gases, (ii) gas adsorption and (iii) gas and liquid displacement is considered. Values of surface area and pore volumes are shown not to be unique but to depend upon the molecular probe used and measurement conditions. The importance of microporosity in coals to their utilization is considered.