Generation and characterization of coal-based needle coke produced by the co-carbonization of coal liquefaction pitch and anthracene oil

In this study, we studied the feasibility of preparing high-quality needle coke from coal liquefaction pitch. Nine types of blending pitch (coal liquefaction pitch and anthracene oil mixed with different ratios) were used as raw materials to generate needle coke via the co-carbonization method. Optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were employed to determine the properties (microstructure, distribution of carbon microcrystals, true density and micro-strength) of the needle coke derived by the co-carbonization method. Actually, the co-carbonization of coal liquefaction pitch and anthracene oil was an essential method to control the micro-structure and property of the derived needle coke. Briefly, the needle coke derived by the co-carbonization of coal liquefaction pitch and anthracene oil had a lower content of mosaic structure of 14.17%, ideal carbon crystal content of 82.67%, and true density of 2.296 g cm(−3). Briefly, the addition of anthracene oil is a suitable method to adjust the property of coal liquefaction pitch, which is also a good method to produce high-quality needle coke via the co-carbonization of coal liquefaction pitch and anthracene oil. Thus, the use of coal liquefaction pitch and anthracene oil as raw materials to generate high-quality needle coke is a considerable method to realize the clean and high value-added utilization of coal liquefaction pitch.