Abstract
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.