Research progress of catalysts for direct coal liquefaction

Coal direct liquefaction technology is a crucial contemporary coal chemical technology for efficient and clean use of coal resources. The development of direct coal liquefaction technology and the promotion of alternative energy sources are important measures to guarantee energy security and economic security. However, several challenges need to be addressed, including low conversion rate, inadequate oil yield, significant coking, demanding reaction conditions, and high energy consumption. Extensive research has been conducted on these issues, but further exploration is required in certain aspects such as pyrolysis of macromolecules during the liquefaction process, hydrogen activation, catalysts’ performance and stability, solvent hydrogenation, as well as interactions between free radicals to understand their mechanisms better. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the design strategy for efficient catalysts in coal liquefaction, encompassing the mechanism of coal liquefaction, catalyst construction, and enhancement of catalytic conversion efficiency. It serves as a comprehensive guide for further research endeavors. Firstly, it systematically summarizes the conversion mechanism of direct coal liquefaction, provides detailed descriptions of various catalyst design strategies, and especially outlines the catalytic mechanism. Furthermore, it addresses the challenges and prospects associated with constructing efficient catalysts for direct coal liquefaction based on an understanding of their action mechanisms. © 2024 Science Press and Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences.