TRANSMUTATION OF COAL FLY ASH TO CONCEIVABLE APPLICATIONS

TRANSMUTATION OF COAL FLY ASH TO CONCEIVABLE APPLICATIONS

High global energy demands have led to increasing use of coal, which generates Coal Fly Ash (CFA) as a byproduct. CFA is acomplex anthropogenic residue and serious threat to the local environment. Improper handling and storage conditions worsen theeffects on the environment and nearby species. Current research concerning improved uses for CFA is lacking and developingindustrial or commercial uses would improve handling and management of CFA. Thus far, CFA has shown potential as a soilameliorating agent and catalyst. This paper provides a short review concerning the current research gaps in CFA under-utilization.CFA possesses unique physio-chemical properties that can be directly blended into soil to improve plant growth capacity. Further, allmajor chemical reactions or product syntheses involve catalysts with silica and alumina as common supports. The Si, Al richcomposition in CFA would be a highly suitable alternative if the research were undertaken in depth. Active promotion of CFA’sproperties by policy makers toward new product streams, alongside conventional utilization, would maximize ecological, industrialand commercial outcomes.