An investigation into the composition of the mineral phase of fly ash using advanced techniques

   Fly ash, a pivotal byproduct of coal combustion in thermal power plants, has yet to be fully harnessed as an abundant resource for metallic elements resources. A comprehensive understanding of its composition is essential for the exploitation of potentially valuable metals. We research the structural makeup of fly ash utilizing cutting-edge technological approaches, with the aim to provide direction for the development and utilization of its metallic element contents. Micro-Raman spectroscopy, in conjunction with analytical techniques such as X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, were employed to assess the mineralogical composition of fly ash. The results show that the fly ash analyzed in this study was primarily comprised of mineral phases rich in SiO₂, Al₂O₃, and Fe₂O₃. The primary crystalline phases identified were mullite and quartz. Notably, iron-rich microspheres within the fly ash encompass hematite, magnetite and glassy phases. The mullite-quartz phase also identified the presence of organic carbon . In addition to new knowledge of the mineralogical composition of fly ash it also demonstrates the potential of micro-Raman spectroscopy in characterization of the mineralogical composition of this material.