Title: Characterisation of surface and structural properties of Permian coals from Sohagpur Coalfield, India: a comprehensive analysis

Authors: Kaushal Kishor; Manish Kumar Srivastava; Alok K. Singh

Addresses: Department of Petroleum Engineering and Geoengineering, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Jais, Amethi – 229304, India ' Department of Petroleum Engineering and Geoengineering, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Jais, Amethi – 229304, India ' Department of Petroleum Engineering and Geoengineering, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Jais, Amethi – 229304, India

Abstract: The amphiphilic nature of coal is crucial for determining its suitability for applications like combustion. A study was conducted on the Sohagpur coalfield in India to assess the hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties of coal samples. Three coal samples with distinct megascopic characteristics were selected for a comprehensive analysis using proximate and ultimate analyses, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The analyses revealed significant concentrations of C, O, N, Al, and Si on the coal surfaces, with XPS and FT-IR confirming the presence of both aliphatic and aromatic carbon groups. Additionally, XPS identified SiO₂ and Al₂O₃, consistent with FT-IR results. The study found a correlation between hydrophilic functional groups and increased moisture content. Overall, the Sohagpur coal samples showed more hydrophobic than hydrophilic characteristics, indicating their suitability for combustion. [Received: April 19, 2024; Accepted: October 5, 2024]

Keywords: coal; XPS; FT-IR; structural characterisation; Sohagpur Coalfield; aliphatic; aromatic; quartz; hydrophobic; industrial utilisation; India.

DOI: 10.1504/IJOGCT.2025.148739

International Journal of Oil, Gas and Coal Technology, 2025 Vol.38 No.3, pp.339 - 357

Received: 09 Apr 2024
Accepted: 05 Oct 2024
Published online: 22 Sep 2025 *

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