ESCA (Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis) and FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) studies of bituminous coal

Bituminous coal from the Illinois No. 6, Upper Freeport, Pittsburgh and Kentucky No. 9 seams were examined by Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). These coals were stored under various conditions (air, N{sub 2}, mine water) and received in forms progressing from raw to ash - removed coal, (raw, milled, processed). ESCA was utilized to determine surface elemental composition and functional groups with particular attention given to C, O, N and S. Sulfur and oxidized coal models have been examined to determine the sulfur and carbon species present at the surface. FTIR has been used to correlate functional group assignments with the ESCA results.