Chemistry of Carbon

Bonding in carbon compounds. Allotropy. Structure vs. properties. Amorphous carbon. Carbon black, fibre structures, pyrocarbon. Inorganic carbon compounds. Organic carbon compounds. Structural theory of organic chemistry (chemical bonds, molecular geometry, isomerism). Intermolecular forces. Physical properties and molecular structure. Introduction to organic reactions. Homolysis and heterolysis of bonds to carbon. Reaction and their mechanisms. Thermodynamics and reaction kinetics in organic chemistry. Acid-base reactions, pyrolysis process and combustion of organic compounds. Summary of important families of organic compounds. Fossil and recent carbonaceous fuels. Carbon cycle. The importance of carbon for life. Photosynthesis. Genesis of caustobiolites. Current views on the composition of coal. Characteristics of coal depending on coalification. The importance of caustobiolites for power production. Chemistry of metallurgical coke production. Behaviour of coal during heating. Carbonization process theory. Kinetics and thermodynamics of coke-forming processes. Interpretation of plastic behaviour of coal. Coal coking products depending on coking conditions. Carbon combustion and gasification. The path to a unified theory. Characteristics for the selecting of coals for combustion and impacts on plant operation and performance. Self-ignition chemistry. Principle of oxidation protection. Grafitization. Mechanism of graphitization process. Black coal pitch and processing of electrode material. Chemistry of coal-tar and petroleum-pitch. Activated carbons. Porozity in carbons. Physical and chemical adsorption, measuring extents of adsorption. Production of carbonaceous sorbents. Carbon fibres. Precursors, methods of formation, properties and utilization. Correlation of structure and properties of carbon fibres. Carbonaceous composites. Mechanical properties of carbon materials. New structures in carbon-based materials. Fullerenes and their derivatives, carbon nanotubes, carbon films, graphene etc. Future trends. Carbon materials for nuclear energy applications. Fission and fusion reactor applications. Neutron irradiation effects, thermal shock, chemical erosion, tritium retention. Environmental aspects of fuel utilization. Classical carbonaceous fuels and the environment.