The use of synchronous luminescence spectroscopy in qualitative analysis of aromatic fraction of hard coal thermolysis products

The synchronous luminescence method was used in qualitative analysis of aromatic fraction of low-temperature tar from hard coal. The spectra obtained by this method are simpler than spectra obtained with the use of conventional emission luminescence method. The synchronous luminescence analysis requires the selection of respective Δλ parameter values. This parameter is a constant difference between position of excitation and emission monochromators during measurement. From literature, the Δλ parameter value of 23 nm was first used here. The characteristic emission ranges of spectra obtained indicated (by comparison with spectra of standards) degree of condensation of aromatic compounds present in investigated mixtures. It was also possible to identify some individual compounds. However, this identification could be more effective with the use of the respective value of Δλ parameter for each particular component of the mixture. This manner of analysis was used here, e.g. for investigating aromatic fraction containing phenanthrene (identified previously by gas chromatography method) among other compounds. The spectrum recorded at Δλ value characteristic for phenanthrene (53nm) presents a rather simple shape with a maximum at 346 nm attributed to phenanthrene after standard and literature data.