Research news on coal

Coal is a heterogeneous, carbon-rich solid fossil fuel formed from the diagenesis and coalification of ancient plant material under elevated pressure and temperature over geologic timescales. It consists primarily of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and mineral matter, with a maceral composition dominated by vitrinite, inertinite, and liptinite. Coal is classified by rank (e.g., lignite, subbituminous, bituminous, anthracite) based on carbon content, volatile matter, and calorific value, which reflect the degree of metamorphism. Its physicochemical properties, including porosity, reflectance, sulfur content, and trace element composition, are critical for combustion behavior, gasification, coking performance, and environmental impact in industrial applications.