CO2 Capture Using Fly Ash

Fly ash (FA) is a waste material from coal combustion in thermal power plants. It is a potential candidate for CO2 capture due to its high calcium oxide (CaO) content, which can undergo mineral carbonation. There are various approaches for CO2 capture using FA, including wet and dry scrubbing, carbonation, pressure swing adsorption, and membrane separation. Carbonation of FA has emerged as a promising approach due to its high capture efficiency, low energy requirements, and potential for producing valuable by-products. However, several challenges are associated with using FA for CO2 capture, such as slow reaction rates, variability in FA composition, and the environmental impact of FA disposal. Further research is needed to optimize the process and develop sustainable strategies for using FA in CO2 capture. This chapter reviews and also discusses the potential applications of FA for CO2 capture, such as enhanced oil recovery, building materials, the production of chemicals and fuels, etc. The use of FA for CO2 capture has a significant potential to contribute to global efforts to mitigate climate change. While considering these opportunities, the limitations and future prospects for practical implementation of FA for CO2 capture will be detailed.