A rapid separation method for the large-scale synthesis (422 g) of beta-FeOOH nanospindles has been achieved via a facile hydrolysis route, including a simple surface-modified process with sodium oleate to improve the dispersivity of beta-FeOOH in the direct coal liquefaction (DCL) reaction. The as-prepared (also oleic acid-coated) beta-FeOOH exhibited superior catalytic activity toward DCL reaction. The percent of conversion, oil yield, and liquefaction degree with the oleic acid-coated beta-FeOOH are 92.6, 73.8, and 80.8%, respectively. This facile separation approach allows large-scale production of nanocatalyst without any centrifugation or filtration process, which will be applicable for future industrial DCL processes. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.