Characterization Techniques Coupled with Mathematical Tools for Deepening Asphaltene Structure

Asphaltenes are the heavy fraction of fossil fuels, whose characterization remains a very difficult and challenging issue due to still-persisting uncertainties about their structure and/or composition molecular weight. Asphaltene components highly condensed aromatic molecules having some heteroatoms aliphatic functionalities. Their weights distribution spans in wide range, from hundreds millions mass units, depending on diagnostic used, which is mainly occurrence self-aggregation. In present work, spectrometry along with size exclusion chromatography X-ray diffraction analysis have been applied asphaltenes for giving further insights into weight structural characteristics. Relatively small polycyclic hydrocarbons (PAHs) significant degree aliphaticity were individuated by applying fast Fourier transform (FFT) double bond equivalent (DBE) number spectra. (XRD) confirmed aliphaticity, showing peaks specific Size indicated higher weight, probably substituents. Mass at high laser power enabled observing downward shift masses corresponding loss 10 carbon atoms, suggesting aryl-linked core structures assumed feature island archipelago structures.