Applications of fly ash for CO₂ capture, utilization, and storage

Utilization is one of the prominent strategies for the management of hazardous industrial wastes like fly ash. As fossil-based power is expected to remain a major source of global electricity supply in the coming years, the absence of effective management strategies will exacerbate the problem of fly ash waste in the environment. Global fly ash utilization rates remain low due to limited utilization opportunities outside the construction industry. This necessitates the development of new pathways for its utilization as a means of diverting it from landfills where it poses a significant threat to the environment. Carbon capture, utilization, and storage presents opportunities to utilize fly ash in various ways; as a capture material, as a medium for permanent CO₂ storage via mineralization, and as a catalyst or catalyst support for CO₂ utilization processes. This study reviews the different technologies through which fly ash and materials derived from fly ash are applied in the CO₂ capture, utilization, and storage technology while highlighting some challenges and opportunities for further research and development.