NITROGEN RELEASE IN THE GASIFICATION OF CARBONS

The gasification behaviour of a suite of carbons has been investigated using a thermogravimetric analyser mass spectrometer. The carbons were derived from acenaphthylene by carbonisation to 873 K, in the pressure range 0.1-6.5 MPa, and subsequently calcined and treated with ammonia to 1073 K. The results from isothermal and temperature programmed gasification studies were used to study the gasification of the various types of active sites and the release of nitrogen during gasification. Distinct differences in NO-evolved gas profiles were observed for carbons where the ammonia treatment was carried out at the final heat treatment temperature, and when the treatment with ammonia occurred concurrently with carbonisation. The results are discussed in terms of the nature of the active sites and the incorporation of nitrogen into the carbon structure by ammonia treatment.