Catalytic Combustion Processes for Coal and Solid Fuels

Catalytic combustion has emerged as a transformative approach to improve the energy efficiency and environmental performance of coal and other solid fuels. By introducing catalytic additives—ranging from transition-metal salts and oxides to alkaline earth compounds and industrial by-products—combustion can be activated at lower temperatures with accelerated reaction rates. Catalysts interact with fuel matrices to promote oxygen activation, lower activation energies and foster the rapid breakdown of volatile and char fractions. The result is a pronounced reduction in ignition temperature, shortened ignition delay and more complete conversion of carbonaceous matter, which in turn curbs the formation of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and other pollutants. Recent advances have focused on optimising catalyst dispersion via impregnation or mechanical mixing, tailoring the chemical composition for specific fuel types (anthracite, bituminous coal, semi-coke or biomass mixtures), and exploring waste-derived materials such as red mud and slag. Mechanistic investigations combine thermal analysis, gas-phase monitoring and high-speed imaging to elucidate radical formation pathways and surface reaction cycles. Practical applications span power generation, industrial boilers and small-scale systems, with an eye to retrofit existing fleets and integrate clean-combustion technology into regions dependent on solid fuels. Ongoing challenges include catalyst deactivation by ash components, scale-up of impregnation protocols and economic assessment of additive use, but the field continues to expand its toolbox to meet stringent emissions targets and enhance fuel utilisation across diverse global energy contexts.

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Catalytic Combustion Processes for Coal and Solid Fuels publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in catalytic combustion processes for coal and solid fuels across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Catalytic combustion: A process in which a catalyst accelerates fuel oxidation at lower temperatures by promoting radical formation and oxygen activation.

Ignition delay time: The interval between initial heating of the fuel–air mixture and the onset of sustained combustion.

Activation energy: The minimum energy barrier that reactant molecules must overcome to undergo chemical transformation during combustion.

Onset temperature: The temperature at which a detectable rate of oxidation or combustion begins, often identified by thermogravimetric or differential scanning calorimetry analysis.

References

1. Activation of anthracite combustion by copper acetate: mechanism, effect of particle size and introduction method. International Journal of Coal Science & Technology (2023).
2. Non-isothermal oxidation of coal with Ce(NO3)3 and Cu(NO3)2 additives. International Journal of Coal Science & Technology (2019).
3. Effect of CaO on catalytic combustion of semi-coke. Green Processing and Synthesis (2021).
4. Studies on Red Mud Material to Use for Combustion of Vietnam Pulverized Coal. Inorganics (2022).