Letters to the editor

The challenge of coal as a raw material

The article on coal as a raw material correctly identifies the key problem with current technologies: the enormous carbon dioxide release from the standard processes. Plants relying on Fischer-Tropsch conversion of synthesis gas or on variants of Bergius direct hydrogenation of coal are basically CO2 factories that produce liquid hydrocarbons as a by-product. Nonetheless, coal has tremendous potential as a source of chemicals—mainly aromatics—and as a basis for making an array of carbon materials. The latter, in particular, could have applications in batteries and supercapacitors; coal-derived carbon fibers could be used in wind-turbine blades.

The challenge to chemists is to develop new routes to these valuable products that would form substantially less CO2 and other low-value substances or wastes. A possible general strategy might be to apply the tenets of green chemistry to coal conversion. This is a wide-open opportunity that has significant potential payoffs in products useful in renewable energy applications. Having worked with coal for 50 years, I can attest that this won’t be easy, but why work on easy problems?

Harold Schobert

Jordan, Minnesota

 

Fun and games with elements

Among other changes to C&EN, I have noticed the crossword puzzle in each issue. I am not an avid crossword solver, but I appreciate the playful addition, and I want to suggest one of my own.

Now retired, I try to keep in shape by taking long walks, and I have a mental game that I like to play. I call it Car Tags and Elemental Symbols. As I pass a parked car, I note the letters on the license plate and match them to elemental symbols. For example, a plate with Y67-QFH would contain symbols for yttrium, fluorine, and hydrogen.

The game keeps my mind active while I exercise, and I have been encouraged to learn more about unfamiliar elements. I hope other readers will enjoy playing it.

Kathryn R. Williams

Gainesville, Florida

Chemical & Engineering News

ISSN 0009-2347

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