Chemical, Mineralogical and Morphological Investigation of Coal Fly Ash Obtained from Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

摘要

Background and Objective: Coal fly ash generated from the combustion of coal by thermal power plant stations are enormous and the disposal there of is a big problem. In the present study, the chemical, mineralogical and morphological characterization of coal fly ash samples (CFAs) obtained from Mpumalanga province, South Africa were investigated. Materials and Methods: The CFAs were characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy -energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), high resolution transmission electron spectroscopy (HRTEM) and the selected area electron diffraction (SAED) analytical technique. Result: Experimental results showed that the CFAs contain hematite, magnetite, calcite, lime, mullite and quartz. The CFAs are polycrystalline, could be categorized as class F fly ash and the particles are spherical in shape. Conclusion: The phase characterization suggested that CFA could be used for the synthesis of nanoparticles, as well as extraction of valuable metals, more so, the elemental composition of the CFAs suggested that the storage and disposal of CFAs could lead to the release of salts and toxic elements into the environment, thereby, contaminating surface and ground waters.