This project is concerned with conversion of coal into a liquid fuel by utilizing enzymes to enhance the process of breaking down the large molecules in coal. The advantages in this approach to coal degradation are that high temperatures and pressures are not required for producing soluble fuel products. The reactions will be conducted in organic solvents rather than in water as is done with most enzymatic reactions. Although improvements in coal processing may result, pretreatments of the coals are needed to obtain suitable suspensions in the organic solvents. Methods for preparing and stabilizing these suspensions will be investigated along with studies of details of the enzymatic degradations. Finally, the changes in the solubility or the suspendability of the products of the enzyme-catalyzed reaction will be determined. The successful application of biotechnology to coal conversion depends on new knowledge and understanding of how enzymes react with the coal macromolecules and how to facilitate this interaction. This project will develop the basic kinetic parameters of enzymatic degradation of coal substrates, which are necessary for evaluating the further development of these processes into liquid fuel production technology.Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awarder: The use of enzymes for the degradation of coals has considerable potential as a novel approach to coal liquefaction, requiring only low temperatures and pressures for conversion. Further work is required to understand how organisms break down the coal structure so that a usable process will eventually result. An improved knowledge of the nature of stable colloidal coal dispersions in organic solvents and how to conveniently prepare them will be important for the pretreatments of coals that are to be processed.Topic 24: Biotechnology for Fossil Energy
