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The Distribution of Rare Earth Elements in Coal Fly Ash Determined by LA-ICP-MS and Implications for Its Economic Significance

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  • Shuliu Wang

    (Department of Finance, Communication University of China, Beijing 100024, China)

  • Wenhui Huang

    (Key Laboratory for Marine Reservoir Evolution and Hydrocarbon Abundance Mechanism, School of Energy Resources, China University of Geosciences Beijing, Beijing 100083, China)

  • Weihua Ao

    (Beijing Key Laboratory of Materials Utilization of Nonmetallic Minerals and Solid Wastes, School of Materials Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences Beijing, Beijing 100083, China)

Abstract

Coal fly ash represents a potential resource of some critical elements, including rare earth elements (REEs), which are retained and concentrated during coal combustion. Understanding the distribution and modes of occurrence of REEs within fly ash is vital to developing effective recovery methods and enhancing their economic value. Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) was applied to investigate the in situ elemental constituents of coal fly ash phases, including aluminosilicates, Ca-(Fe)-enriched aluminosilicates, Fe-oxides, and SiO 2 /Quartz, in order to explore the distribution of REEs in combustion products. LA-ICP-MS results show that V, Cr, and Nb are mainly enriched in Ca-Ti-enriched aluminosilicates with trace element concentrations referenced to the original fly ash composition. Lithium is primarily enriched in SiO 2 glassy grains, followed by Ca, (Fe)-enriched aluminosilicates. Co, Ni, and Cu present a concomitant distribution in the Fe-enriched phases, such as Fe-oxides and Fe-enriched aluminosilicates. The chondrite normalized REE distribution patterns show characteristics of LREE enrichment and Eu-negative anomalies in most phases, while the REE patterns of SiO 2 glassy grains have a distinct positive anomaly in Sm, Gd, and Dy, coupled with a deficiency in LREEs. Compared to feed coal, elements such as Li, V, Cr, Co, Ni, and Nb and REEs are enriched 2~10 times in various phases of fly ash, with REEs notably concentrated six times higher in aluminosilicates and Ca-Ti-enriched aluminosilicates than the original coal. This study further discusses the feasibility, calibration principles, and advantages of using LA-ICP-MS to determine REE distribution, as well as the economic implications of REE extraction from coal fly ash.

Suggested Citation

  • Shuliu Wang & Wenhui Huang & Weihua Ao, 2025. "The Distribution of Rare Earth Elements in Coal Fly Ash Determined by LA-ICP-MS and Implications for Its Economic Significance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-17, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:1:p:275-:d:1558925
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Amanda Qinisile Vilakazi & Sehliselo Ndlovu & Liberty Chipise & Alan Shemi, 2022. "The Recycling of Coal Fly Ash: A Review on Sustainable Developments and Economic Considerations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-32, February.
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