Reactive intermediate in the alkali-carbonate-catalysed gasification of coal char

Based on results from a variety of experimental measurements, a detailed mechanism is postulated for the action of the inorganic catalyst in char gasification. In this mechanism, a catalyst such as potassium carbonate in contact with char undergoes a chemical and physical transformation to form a molten potassium oxide film that covers the char surface. This film serves as an oxygen transfer medium between the gaseous reactant (H2O or CO2) and the char. At the catalyst/char interface, an oxidation-reduction reaction occurs and the anions in the catalyst react with the oxidized char to form a phenolate-type functional group that subsequently splits out CO. The anions are replenished by reaction between the oxidizing gas (H2O or CO2) and the oxide at the gas/catalyst interface. Net transport of oxygen from gas to char occurs by diffusion of the species in the molten catalyst film.