Sulfobutylated Lignosulfonate with Ultrahigh Sulfonation Degree and Its Dispersion Property in Low-Rank Coal-Water Slurry

Using a simple method, we developed a new family of alkyl sulfonic acid modified lignosulfonate (ASLSs) with simultaneously improved sulfonation degrees and molecular weights via one step. Direct sulfonation occurred on both phenolic and alcoholic hydroxyl groups of alkali lignin raw material with 1,4-butylenesulfone used as sulfonation agent. A sulfonation degree of 3.86 mmol/g had been achieved which presents as one of the highest sulfonation degrees among those of reported LSs, to date. H-1-NMR and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements confirmed the efficient sulfonation. Furthermore, the dispersion properties were investigated in low-rank coal-water slurry (CWS). ASLS3 showed better viscosity-reduction effect than naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde condensate (FDN) in CWS with dosages from 0.6% to 1.0 wt%. ASLS3 had the similar sulfonation degree with FDN; however, the large steric hindrance, soft long alkyl chain-C4H8-SO3H, and their efficient anchoring effect of ASLSs contributed to their improved dispersion properties.