Viewing coal’s complex and diverse chemistry, a team from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology hopes to change coal into a resource that can be used in a range of high tech applications.

MIT team finds coal too valuable to burn. Image Credit: Jeffrey Grossman, Brent Keller, Nicola FerralisThe researchers published their findings on the chemical, electrical and optical properties of thin films created using four different kinds of coal: anthracite, lignite and two bituminous types. For example, some coal varieties have a range of electrical conductivities that span seven orders of magnitude, making it possible to use its electrical properties for components.

Testing the properties of coal, the team developed a process to powderize it, then deposit it on thin film substrates, similar to creating photovoltaics. Rather than refining the material, the coal varieties apparently hold varied mechanical properties that may be useful. The raw material can be fine-tuned to enhance its optical and electrical properties by changing the temperature during the process, allowing the researchers to achieve the properties they desire.

Using coal with simple solution processing and the fabrication method could rival the use of chip-grade silicon or even graphene applications, the researchers say. With its tunable properties, high conductivity and thermal stability, there could be advantages to using it in applications such as solar panels, batteries or electronic devices.

To prove they can capitalize on the extensive chemistry found in common coal, they developed a basic electrical heating device that could be used as a defroster or in a biomedical implant.