The catalytic role of aluminium trichloride in the polymerization and carbonization of coal tar

The polymerization and carbonization of coal tar was carried out at different temperatures from 633 to 1873 K using aluminium trichloride as catalyst. The polymerization degree, microstructures and optical texture of samples were analyzed by thermogravimetry, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and polarized light microscopy. Results indicated that aluminium trichloride accelerated dehydrogenation during the polymerization of coal tar, and increased the toluene-insoluble fraction and carbonization yield. The presence of aluminium trichloride in the polymerized coal tar affected the microstructure of the coke by the formation of a quasi-isotropic structure.