Abstract
The recent interest in the kinetics and mechanistic aspects of the thermal decomposition of oil shale kerogen1 derives largely from its importance as an alternative energy source to petroleum. In spite of considerable research effort, how oil shale kerogen decomposes to gaseous and liquid hydrocarbon fuels is still not fully understood1. The present study considers the d.c. electrical conduction behaviour of Green River oil shales. The observed trends in the electrical behaviour of these materials are correlated with a two-step decomposition model in which the rate-determining processes are shown to be (1) breakdown of an outershell polar bridge structure with an activation energy of 15 ± 2 kcal mol–1 (180–350°C) and (2) cleavage of an inner core naphthenic structure also involving polar groups with an activation energy of 35 ± 3 kcal mol–1 (350–500°C). These structural changes are shown to correspond to the chemical transformation of kerogen to liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons through a bitumen intermediate. Although the present data pertain to Green River oil shales in particular, the observed trend of charge transfer mechanisms in the thermal decomposition behaviour of thermally unstable materials may be indicative of how thermal and electrical properties of all solid materials in general are closely coupled. The common mechanistic origin identified in the present study for the processes of thermal decomposition and electrical conduction, offers the possibility of improving the thermal stability characteristics of a solid by appropriate changes in the electric field surrounding it.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Rajeshwar, K., Nottenburg, R. & DuBow, J. J. mater. Sci. 14, 2025–2052 (1979).
Lidiard, A. B. in Encyclopedia of Physics—Electrical Conductivity Part 2, Vol. 20 (ed. S. Flugge) 246 (Springer, Berlin, 1957).
Rajeshwar, K., DuBow, J. & Rosenvold, R. Ind. Eng. chem. Prod. Res. Devel. (in the press).
Smith, J. W. U.S. Bur. Mines Rep. 7248 (1969).
Rajeshwar, K. & DuBow, J. (submitted).
Yen, T. F. ACS Div. Fuel Chem. Preprints 19, 109 (1974); in Oil Shale (eds Yen, T. F. & Chilingarian, G. V.) 129–147. (Elsevier, Amsterdam, 1976).
Young, D. K. & Yen, T. F. Geochim. cosmochim. Acta 41, 1411–1417 (1977).
Bockris, J. O. M. & Reddy, A. K. N. Modern Electrochemistry Vol. 1, 470–476 (Plenum, New York, 1970).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Rajeshwar, K., Das, M. & DuBow, J. D.c. electrical conductivity of Green River oil shales. Nature 287, 131–133 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1038/287131a0
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/287131a0
This article is cited by
-
Quantifying the Directional Connectivity of Rock Constituents and its Impact on Electrical Resistivity of Organic-Rich Mudrocks
Mathematical Geosciences (2016)
-
Electric field effects in the thermal decomposition of solids
Nature (1983)
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.