Scientists from Tomsk Polytechnic University have created and patented an innovative eco-friendly cryogel designed to prevent the dispersion of ash particles from coal-fired thermal power plant (TPP) waste sites.

The new material forms a resilient surface layer that binds dust particles and significantly reduces air, soil and water contamination caused by industrial ash emissions. This is reported by the official website of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.

Coal combustion in power plants generates vast quantities of ash and slag that are typically stored in ash disposal areas, where strong winds can lift fine particles into the atmosphere. Existing dust suppression technologies often face limitations in efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The newly developed cryogel offers a simple, adaptable and sustainable alternative.

The solution is based on an aqueous polyvinyl alcohol mixture with a concentration ranging from 2.5 per cent to 10 per cent, depending on the site’s conditions. When sprayed over the surface during transitional seasons – autumn or spring – as temperatures fluctuate around freezing, the compound forms a durable elastic film that binds and stabilises ash particles, preventing them from being blown away.

“The proposed dust suppression method is universal and suitable for various industrial sites. It helps minimise the impact of fine particulate matter on the environment, thereby improving local ecological conditions,” said Dmitry Glushkov, Director of the Research School of High-Energy Physics at Tomsk Polytechnic University.

Laboratory tests confirmed the cryogel’s high effectiveness: researchers assessed its rheological properties, sedimentation stability, sprayability, and the adhesion of the gel film on ash and slag materials. The results showed that the compound can retain up to 95 per cent of ash particles, offering a significant environmental advantage.

Currently, field trials are underway near the city of Omsk, Russia, using a 5 per cent cryogel solution applied to an active TPP ash dump. The experiments include drone-assisted spraying to test the compound’s performance under diverse meteorological conditions.

Further studies will focus on determining the optimal dosage for large-scale application, examining the mechanical properties of the treated ash layer, and analysing the longevity and degradation dynamics of the cryogel film under sunlight exposure.

Photo: Евгений Харитонов / iStock