Interrelation of gas generation and pore formation on the alkaline activation of brown coal

The yields of gaseous products (H2, CO, CO2, and C n H2n + 2, where n = 1–4) on the alkaline activation of brown coal and the porous structure parameters of activated carbons were compared. It was found that the yields of gaseous products linearly correlate with the specific surface areas and pore volumes. The temperature ranges in which KOH causes the additional dehydrogenation of the organic matter of coal without the formation of micropores (600–700°C) or strengthens pore formation without the release of hydrogen (700–800°C) were determined.