The correlation and prediction of kinetic rates and mechanisms of the reactions of gas phase species with coal chars represent a difficult undertaking under the best of circumstances. Solid phase heterogeneity and impurities, complex pore structure, transport limitations, evolution of active surface, represent just a few of the well known problems and pitfalls. Calo and Perkins (1987) have shown that energetic heterogeneity of carbon surfaces can significantly enhance gasification reactivity in comparison to a benchmark homogeneous surface. This interesting result naturally gives rise to questions regarding whether chars can be upgraded or engineered''to exhibit favorable surface heterogeneity with respect to significantly increasing reactivity for subsequent conversion and utilization processes. This work was directed at investigating these factors. This information is needed in order to assess the potential of exploiting induced and/or natural coal char surface heterogeneity for the purpose of optimizing char reactivity. In addition, as will be shown, this approach shows considerable promise for providing a more global framework for correlation and true a priori prediction of char reactivity. 74 refs., 106 figs.