Coal, oil and gas continue to provide the main fuel source for worldwide power production and transportation, but with this represent a dwindling resource. Alongside the development of improved energy production and utilisation, and also the development of substitute fuels from 
biomass, research and developments continue apace into the conversion of mainstream and alternative hydrocarbon fuels (fossil fuels), with the goals of improving conversion efficiency for maximum fuel output with minimum environmental impact, as well as of producing hydrogen, syngas and in turn clean liquid fuels for both power generation and transportation utilisation. Catalysts and catalysis are critical to the development of these processes, allowing for application of technology to a wider range of hydrocarbon fuels, including alternative fossil fuel sources such as lower-grade coals, oil shales, tar sands, and methane clathrates. This book provides a comprehensive and systematic reference on the range of alternative hydrocarbon conversion processes and technology. An introductory overview of technological developments and economic and environmental issues, is followed by sections reviewing the conversion of solid fuels - i.e. fuels such as coal, pet coke, lignite, oil shale, tar sands and bitumen - the conversion of gaseous fuels - i.e. hydrogen and syngas - and the conversion of liquid fuels - i.e. crude oil, heavy oil, and paraffin. Coverage includes gasification, pyrolysis, and direct liquefaction processes, along with Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and gas liquefaction, and catalytic conversion and upgrading of liquid fuels. Finally, coverage of fuel analysis, environmental and process control is included, alongside organic chemical production from the variety of hydrocarbon conversion routes reviewed.