Dispersion of Liquefaction Catalysts in Coal Using Ionic Liquids

It is well-known that dispersing catalysts to obtain good contact with coal particles enhances coal liquefaction. This is often accomplished using soluble catalyst precursors that are then converted to an active form. In this study, it is shown that certain ionic liquids can be used to fragment, disperse, and partially dissolve coal to such an extent that good contact can be made with commercially obtained, micrometer-size molybdenum disulfide particles by simply mixing these particles with the ionic liquid/coal dispersion. Good liquefaction yields under standard conditions are obtained using this approach.