Smart- and Zero-Energy Utilization of Coal Ash from Thermal Power Plants in the Context of Circular Economy and Related to Soil Recovery
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 146, Issue 8
Abstract
This study is focused on a technologically viable and zero-energy green synthesis of zeolite Na-X by aging fly ash from lignite coal (CFA) in alkaline solutions at ambient conditions resembling a quasi-natural crystallization process. The smart utilization of CFA instead of its disposal will contribute to reducing landfill areas and to the recovery of polluted soils. The obtained coal ash zeolites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and physisorption regarding their phase composition morphology and surface properties, respectively. The highest yield of zeolite Na-X was achieved by incubating CFA in NaOH for 1 year. However, significant crystallization extent was established after 8 months of alkaline aging. Coal fly ash zeolites (CFAZs) obtained by atmospheric crystallization have specific surface values up to CFAZ, which make them suitable amendments to uptake contaminants from polluted soils and ground waters. Examples on the retaining ability of CFAZ for methylene blue as a model dye and of ions were provided.
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Data Availability Statement
All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the published article.
Acknowledgments
This work was financially supported by the National Science Fund, Ministry of Education and Science of Republic of Bulgaria under the contract DN 17/18 and in the frame of bilateral research project between Republic of Bulgaria and Slovak Republic under Grant DNTS Slovak Republic 01/6 (SK-BG-2013-0025).
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Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 146 • Issue 8 • August 2020
Copyright
©2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 6, 2019
Accepted: Feb 24, 2020
Published online: May 28, 2020
Published in print: Aug 1, 2020
Discussion open until: Oct 28, 2020
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