The synthesis of coal gasification fine slag-derived catalysts and its application: A review

As a pivotal technology for sustainable energy transition, global coal gasification capacity will grow ~5% annually over the next decade, yet its by-product gasification slag has only a 10% global utilization rate, mostly landfilled—causing heavy metal leaching and land waste. With a unique porous structure, rich mineral composition and low cost, gasification slag serves as an ideal catalyst precursor, paving the way for high-value utilization of industrial solid wastes and sustainable advancement in catalysis. Their preparation follows two core approaches: either introducing external active sites or activating the inherent elements in the slag to in-situ form active sites. These catalysts exhibit excellent performance in gas-phase catalysis, liquid-phase catalysis and electrocatalysis, with some properties on par with or even surpassing those of traditional catalysts. It summarizes the catalytic potential of gasification slag, providing guidance for the valorization of coal-based solid wastes and the sustainable development of catalytic materials. ● Recent studies on coal gasification fine slag (CGFS)-based catalysts in various catalytic processes were reviewed. ● CGFS’s potential as a functional catalyst has been discussed based on the unique physicochemical properties ● The synthetic strategies for CGFS-based catalysts with endogenous and exogenous active sites have been summarized. ● The catalytic performance in various fields of CGFS-based catalysts were evaluated