Abstract
Coal fly ash is found to be one of the key pollutants worldwide due to its toxic heavy metal content. However, due to advancements in technology, coal fly ash has gained importance in various emerging fields. They are rich sources of carbonaceous particles which remain unburnt during burning of various coals in thermal power plants (TPPs). Various carbonaceous nanoparticles in the form of fullerenes, soot, and carbon nanotubes could be recovered from coal fly ash by applying trending techniques. Moreover, coal fly ash is comprised of rich sources of organic carbons such as polycyclic and polyaromatic hydrocarbons that are used in various industries for the development of carbon-derived value-added materials and nanocomposites. Here, we focus on all the types of carbon nanominerals from coal fly ash with the latest techniques applied. Moreover, we also emphasize the recovery of organic carbons in polyaromatic (PAHs) and polycyclic hydrocarbons (PCHs) from coal fly ash (CFA). Finally, we try to elucidate the latest applications of such carbon particle in the industry.
Highlights
Introduction published maps and institutional affilCoal fly ash (CFA) is a complex material produced from the combustion of pulverized coal in thermal power plants during the production of electricity [1]
It is quite obvious that the thickness of the carbon nanocoating shows a discrepancy amid various coal fly ash (CFA) aluminosilicate spherical particles captured in ESP units that can be uneven on individual sphere surface; the deposition of such nanocarbons seem to impede the smoothness and fluidity of the CFA particles
Carbon nanomaterials formed from CFAs provide an alternative source of carbon at a very low cost
Summary
Nanoscience and nanotechnology being an interdisciplinary area of investigation offers several opportunities for scientists in diverse areas to explore the possibilities of novel research [17,18]. The arrival of nanotechnology, fullerene discovery in 1985, and the identification of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in 1991 have boosted carbon chemistry. There is continuous increase in the importance of CNMs in science and technology, energy, environment, water, or biomedicine. They have excellent mechanical properties that can attract much attention for use in a variety of applications [21,22]. Their minute size, high surface-to-volume ratio (SVR), and electron-rich and lightweight properties make them a suitable material for nanotechnology-based applications [23]. Fossil fuels like coal combustion are one of the major source of PAHs [28]; apart from this, it is present in soil, water surface and ground water, air, and sediment
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