Diverse utilization of surfactants in coal-floatation for the sustainable development of clean coal production and environmental safety: a review
Biplab Kumar, Bidisha Das, Amit Garain, Summi Rai, Wasefa Begum, M. Inamuddin, Monohar Hossain Mondal, Ajaya Bhattarai, Bidyut Saha
Abstract
and about one-fifth of total greenhouse gases in the world are emitted each year due to coal combustion in power plants, making it the single largest cause of climate change. The UN proposed that OECD countries stop producing electricity from coal by 2030 and the rest of the world by 2040. Herein, we discuss the development of modern technologies that can convert low-quality coal (LQC) into high-quality coal (HQC) to minimize the impact of fossil fuel burn, climate change, premature death of animals and all other related environmental hazards. Amongst the many established technologies, flotation pre-treatment is the most common and effective method used worldwide due to its lower energy input than other methods. In this review, we attempt to present an up-to-date understanding of the applications and utilities of surfactants in coal floating. We also demonstrate the possible modernization of this surfactant chemistry and its prospects.