Catalytic Liquefaction of Coal and Refining of Products

I have been asked to consider the present state of the art in the catalytic liquefaction of coal and refining of products by catalytic means and to suggest some directions for research and development in this very important area of our energy program. This is a large order, as any review of what has been done and what is known about coal liquefaction will quickly show. Coal liquefaction by catalytic means has a long history and has been prached on a commercial scale in various parts of the world. It has had a profound influence on the processing of petroleum. In developing this subject and trying to discern new directions it is very worthwile to review briefly the history of coal liquefaction by catalysis to determine how we have arrived at the present state. By doing this we can also gain knowledge of the constrains imposed on successful developments in this area. It should therefore be possible to determine dirctions for making the processes simpler amnd easier. If nothing else, it will make our attempts to see new things more efficient. Furthermore, the history of coal liquefaction is very interesting and is worth reviewing for itself.