Physical intrinsic characteristics of spheroidal particles in coal gasification fine slag

Spheroidal particles constitute the primary particulate signature within coal gasification fine slag (FS) residues. This research endeavor is centered on elucidating the physical configuration and intrinsic attributes of these spheroidal particles and deducing their primary genesis mechanisms through the application of optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), transmission electron microscopy, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. Notably, the spheroidal particles prevalent in FS predominantly comprise inorganic constituents like aluminum, silicon, and calcium. These particles exhibit a relatively uniform morphology with smooth exteriors and a spectrum of sizes. They predominantly manifest in encapsulated, adhered, and dispersed structural forms. The formation trajectory of these spheroidal particles encompasses multiple phases, encompassing the melting of the ash matrix derived from coal, the coalescence of the liquid phase, internal nucleation processes, layer-by-layer deposition, the bridging and aggregation of minute particles, and growth via precursor-mediated pathways. © 2024 the author(s), published by De Gruyter.