FT-IR and XRD analysis of coal from Makum coalfield of Assam

High sulphur coal sample from Ledo colliery of Makum coalfield, Assam, India was studied using FT-IR and XRD methods. FT-IR study shows the presence of aliphatic -CH, -CH2 and -CH3 groups, aliphatic C-O-C stretching associated with -OH and -NH stretching vibrations and HCC rocking (single and condensed rings). XRD pattern of the coal shows that it is amorphous in nature. Function of Radial Distribution Analysis (FRDA) indicates that coal is lignite in type and there is no evidence of graphite-like structure. The first maximum in the G(r) plot of FRDA at r = 0.14 nm relates to the aliphatic C-C bond (Type C-CH = CH-C), the second maximum at r = 0.25 nm relates to the distance between carbon atoms of aliphatic chains that are located across one carbon a,torn. The curve intensity profiles obtained from FRDA show quite regular molecular packets for this coal. The coal was found to be lignite in nature.