Critical evaluation of a Nigerian sub-bituminous coal potential for energy derivation

A good understanding of the chemical composition and structural characteristics of a carbonaceous material is essential in conversion processes. Understanding how the composition and structural changes influence the burning behaviour of coal is important when assessing a coal\'s potential for utilization. To explore the potentials of a typical Nigerian coal, both conventional and advanced analytical techniques such as proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, calorific value, surface area analyser, SEM, FTIR, XRD and SAXS were employed. The results obtained from these characterizations agree favourable well with a typical South African coal that is of enormous contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the nation economy.