Structure–Activity Relationships of Amino Acid Surfactants and Their Application Mechanisms in the Energy Industry

Amino acid surfactants (AAS) are emerging as pivotal green alternatives in the energy and chemical sectors due to their tunable structures and inherent biodegradability. This review bridges the fundamental structure–activity relationships (SAR) of AAS with their advanced applications in clean coal utilization. It establishes a classification system based on charge and molecular topology, compares synthesis pathways, and elucidates how alkyl chain hydrophobicity and amino acid residue polarity regulate key properties like critical micelle concentration (CMC), Krafft point, and interfacial rheology. These properties are directly linked to their functions in coal processing, including dust suppression via wettability modification, selective adsorption in flotation, and rheological control in coal‐water slurry transport. The review concludes by addressing current challenges in cost and adaptability, pointing to future research in bio‐manufacturing, computer‐aided molecular design (CAMD), and intelligent, stimuli‐responsive surfactant systems.