Subtractive-FTIR spectroscopy to characterize organic matter in lignite samples from different depths.

Organic matter present in lignite samples collected from different depths (i.e. top, mid and bottom) of lignite source, Ilgın, Konya province, was examined by using subtractive-FTIR-ATR spectroscopy. FTIR spectra were recorded on (i) original samples, (ii) the samples dried at 105 °C and (iii) the samples acid-treated and dried. After a combustion process performed for each sample at 650 °C for 15 min, the spectra of samples were recorded and subtracted from the spectra of untreated samples. Hence, a software-based subtraction made it possible to acquire a representative spectra related with organic matter. As the contribution of the bands related with inorganic constituents in lignite samples were eliminated after spectrum-subtraction procedure, difference-spectra led analyzing the spectra related with organic matter in lignite samples, reasonably. Furthermore, the bands related with acidic functional groups, aromatic and aliphatic structures were analyzed on the basis of difference-spectra, easily. From the difference-spectra it was shown that an acid-treatment process under mild conditions caused shift in some specific bands related with carbonyl groups of carboxyls so that the band at around 1710 cm(-1) arisen, while the intensity of the band at around 1420 cm(-1) was diminished. Through the acid-treatment process, acidic groups in lignite samples from different depths were thought to be turned into similar forms by protonation and/or stripping of metal ions originally bonded. Difference-spectra acquired for acid-treated samples made it possible to evaluate the form of carboxylic acid groups present in the studied samples under specific environmental conditions. Hence, a facile and environmentally-friendly methodology was used to analyze organic matter in lignite by using FTIR spectra, and valuable information was acquired about the aliphatic, aromatic and acidic character of the studied lignite samples collected from different depths. The proposed methodology seems to be promising in acquiring approximate representative spectra for lignite organic matter by using little or no chemicals.