Catalytic hydroconversion of the light residue from Yinggemajianfeng lignite over a solid superacid

•LR was obtained by extracting coal and subsequent isolation via density difference.•About 60% of organic matter in LR was hydroconverted to SP over catalyst at 160 °C.•The main products from the CHC of LR are oxygen-containing organic compounds.•H+ release from TFMSA/ATA plays a crucial role in hydroconverting LR to SP.