Quantitative electron spectroscopic analysis of the surface chemistry of bituminous coal

ESCA has been used to analyze coals from four seams: Illinois No. 6, Kentucky No. 9, Upper Freeport, and Pittsburgh. The coal was analyzed in raw, milled, and agglomerated forms. The coal was simultaneously analyzed for the effects of different storage conditions (air, water, or nitrogen gas atmosphere) over a 17 month period. Each coal was sampled seven times over the period. Elemental compositions are reported. Storage conditions had no detectable influence on surface concentrations of the element in any of the coals. Over the 17 month period no significant oxidation of these coals was detected by ESCA.