Characterisation of non-extractable macromolecular organic matter in Palaeozoic coals

摘要

Comprehensive organic-geochemical investigations were applied to Permian, Carboniferous and Devonian coals. The major goal of the investigation was to quantify differences in organic matter composition of the coals on a molecular level and to associate these differences with either i) primary composition of the precursor plant material, or ii) diagenetic processes related to burial and temperature increase or iii) evolutionary time trends.