coal liquefaction

Coal liquefaction is a process that converts solid coal into liquid fuels like gasoline or diesel. It involves heating coal in the presence of certain chemicals or gases to break down its complex structure into simpler, liquid hydrocarbons. This makes it easier to produce fuels similar to those derived from oil. There are two main methods: direct liquefaction, which chemically transforms coal directly, and indirect liquefaction, which first gasifies coal into synthetic gas and then synthesizes liquid fuels. This process helps utilize coal as a substitute for petroleum, especially where oil resources are limited.