Editing Coal (section)

===Gasification===
{{Main|Coal gasification|Underground coal gasification}}
Coal gasification, as part of an [[integrated gasification combined cycle]] (IGCC) coal-fired power station, is used to produce [[syngas]], a mixture of [[carbon monoxide]] (CO) and hydrogen (H<sub>2</sub>) gas to fire gas turbines to produce electricity. Syngas can also be converted into transportation fuels, such as [[gasoline]] and [[Diesel fuel|diesel]], through the [[Fischer–Tropsch process]]; alternatively, syngas can be converted into [[methanol]], which can be blended into fuel directly or converted to gasoline via the methanol to gasoline process.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.netl.doe.gov/research/coal/energy-systems/gasification/gasifipedia/methanol-to-gasoline |title=Conversion of Methanol to Gasoline |publisher=National Energy Technology Laboratory |access-date=16 July 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717225057/http://www.netl.doe.gov/research/Coal/energy-systems/gasification/gasifipedia/methanol-to-gasoline |archive-date=17 July 2014}}</ref> Gasification combined with Fischer–Tropsch technology was used by the [[Sasol]] chemical company of [[South Africa]] to make chemicals and motor vehicle fuels from coal.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Sasol Is Said to Plan Sale of Its South Africa Coal Mining Unit |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-09-18/sasol-is-said-to-plan-sale-of-its-south-africa-coal-mining-unit|newspaper=Bloomberg.com|date=18 September 2019|access-date=2020-05-31}}</ref>

During gasification, the coal is mixed with [[oxygen]] and [[steam]] while also being heated and pressurized. During the reaction, oxygen and water molecules [[oxidize]] the coal into carbon monoxide (CO), while also releasing [[hydrogen]] gas (H<sub>2</sub>). This used to be done in underground coal mines, and also to make [[town gas]], which was piped to customers to burn for illumination, heating, and cooking.

: 3C (''as Coal'') + O<sub>2</sub> + H<sub>2</sub>O → H<sub>2</sub> + 3CO

If the refiner wants to produce gasoline, the syngas is routed into a Fischer–Tropsch reaction. This is known as indirect coal liquefaction. If hydrogen is the desired end-product, however, the syngas is fed into the [[water gas shift reaction]], where more hydrogen is liberated:

: CO + H<sub>2</sub>O → CO<sub>2</sub> + H<sub>2</sub>