Research on the graphitization potential of coal in Sichuan and Chongqing

The graphitization of coal is beneficial to enhancing the strategic guarantee ability of graphite resources and promoting the efficient utilization of coal measures mineral resources and transformation and upgrading of coal enterprises. The development potential of coal-based graphite resources in Sichuan and Chongqing is evaluated in the critical period of energy and mineral reform and transformation. On the basis of the analysis of coal graphitization, the precursors for coal-based carbon materials and coalfield geology, the major coal types, coal quality and characteristics of macerals, Principal Component Analysis(PCA) is applied to explore the development potential of coal-based graphite in Sichuan and Chongqing in view of internal factors and the requirement of carbon materials. The results show that the microscopic composition of the coal in the study area is mainly vitrinite with low ash and low sulfur, the highly metamorphic anthracite is easier to graphitize, and the product is an excellent precursor for preparing carbon materials. According to the quantitative evaluation results of PCA, the potential zones for preparing coal-based carbon materials can be divided into the superior areas(Ⅰ), good areas(Ⅱ) and potential areas(Ⅲ). The coal of Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation in Ya’an-Panxi areas(I), Sichuan Province, is characterized by the high metamorphism, low ash and low sulfur. The Longmenshan tectonic-magmatic belt is the external factor for coal graphitization, which is the potential area for coal-based graphite sources and preferred resources for coal-based carbon materials. The northeastern and southeastern Chongqing areas(Ⅱ) are characterized by complex tectonic conditions and highly metamorphic coal, which are good areas for the accumulation of coal-based graphite. Songzao Coal Mine(Ⅲ) in Nantong Coalfield and Furong-Guxu mines(Ⅲ) in Sichuan Province, are all potential areas for coal-based graphite. Research on the potential of coal-based graphite is an important bridge for the transition from extensive utilization of energy and minerals to refined application of high-end new materials, providing guidance for the realization of high-value, green development and utilization of coal-resources.