PYROLYSIS FAST-ATOM-BOMBARDMENT TANDEM MASS-SPECTROMETRY CHARACTERIZATION OF COALS

The objective of this study is to combine pyrolysis with various mass spectrometric techniques to characterize a set of the Argonne Premium coals. Pyrolysis high-resolution mass spectrometry (Py-HRMS) rapidly provides elemental compositions, while fast atom bombardment (FAB) mass spectrometry (MS) yields information on higher molecular weight species. Structural information for either of the approaches can be obtained by fragmentation of individual ions in a collision gas followed by mass analysis of the fragments. The MS/MS approach provides a wealth of information on very complex mixtures. These various techniques are examined and their advantages and limitations discussed. The emphasis will be placed on characterization of large and polar molecules.