Advancements of coal fly ash and its prospective implications for sustainable materials in Southeast Asian countries: A review

Coal-fired power plants still dominate the electricity market in Southeast Asia, supplying around 30 % of the total demand, and the demand trend for this sector will continue to be high for decades to come. As a result, coal fly ash (CFA) production has also increased rapidly. However, most countries in this region consider them hazardous waste due to the immense potential for destroying living things and the environment. An increase in the utilization rate of CFA will undoubtedly result in numerous economic and environmental benefits. This article provides an intensive update regarding the current development of CFA utilization research and its realization. This article also provides a specific summary of its use as a medium for valuable materials. Recent studies have proven that CFAs have significant potential due to their physical and chemical characteristics. CFA can be further utilized as an adsorbent, catalyst, mesoporous, and synthesis material for high-efficiency zeolite. By working out the strategies proposed in this paper and the latest research results, the possibility of their utilization can be increased. Thus, the potential of CFA can be utilized to its fullest extent as one of the instruments for Southeast Asia to become a better and more sustainable region.