Coal fly ash as a resource for rare earth elements.

摘要: Rare earth elements (REE) have been recognised as critical raw materials, crucial for many clean technologies. As the gap between their global demand and supply increases, search alternative resources becomes more important, especially countries which depend highly on import. Coal fly ash (CFA), when not utilised is considered waste, has regarded possible source of elements, including REE. Due to increase in energy demand, CFA production expected grow, making research into use this material a necessity. Poland second biggest coal consumer European Union, authors studied different ashes from ten Polish power plants rare element content. All broadly similar distribution rear with light REE being dominant. Most samples content relatively high according Seredin Dai (Int J Geol 94: 67–93, 2012) classification can be promising materials.