Potential Applications of Coal Fly Ash: A Focus on Its Fungistatic Properties and Zeolite Synthesis

Abstract

Coal fly ash (CFA), an industrial by-product derived from coal combustion in thermal power plants, has increased, generating environmental problems. It is one of the most complex anthropogenic materials and results in a waste of recoverable resources. Its improper disposal has become an environmental concern. The need of the hour is to develop methods for the utilization of fly ash (FA). This chapter summarizes studies concerning the characterization and potential applications of FA on the basis of the numerous studies published on the subject worldwide over the past few decades. The chapter first describes the generation, physicochemical properties, and hazards of CFA at the global level, and also focuses on its current and potential applications, including its use in agricultural applications, soil stabilization, the cement and concrete industries, zeolite synthesis, etc. It also deals with an evaluation of the antifungal effect of CFA. Among the various methods proposed for the reuse of FA, conversion to zeolite offers the greatest benefits; the process diverts ash waste materials from disposal sites and transforms them into useful secondary products for applications ranging from environmental mitigation to catalysis. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of these applications, the mode of FA utilization worldwide, and directions for future research are discussed.