Suspended coal gasified in electrolytic cell to carbon oxide(s) - for possible reaction with hydrogen also formed, to yield methanol

摘要

A process for gasification of coal comprises; (i) grinding coal in water to a suspension contg. 30-45 wt.%, of mean particle dia. 5-20 micron; (ii) adding an electrolyte, pref. sulphuric acid; (iii) passing the mixt. to a stirred electrolytic cell with an ion-permeable membrane between anode and cathode compartments; (iv) electrolyzing the mixt., collecting H2 at the cathode and CO and CO2 at the anode; and pref. (v) removing the mixt. from the cell and recycling it in part. Used, e.g. for converting off-peak nuclear electricity, via the known reaction of CO and H2, to methanol for use as engine fuel. Electrolysis temps. can be low, e.g. 80-99 deg.C, so that operation can be at 1 atmos. Coal increases the electrolysis ate by a factor 2-4, and reduces electicity consumption per unit of H2 made by 25-40%.