New strategy for comprehensive utilization of aerogels prepared from fly ash

Fly ash, as a major by‐product generated during the combustion process of coal‐fired power plants, occupies an important position in the field of renewable resources due to its chemical composition, annual production and cumulative stock. This study develops a high value‐added utilization route for fly ash‐based aerogels, which aims to maximize the resource utilization of fly ash by integrating multiple chemical processes. As‐designed aerogel exhibits superior thermal insulation and hydrophobicity, with a thermal conductivity of only 0.043 W·(m·K) −1 and a high contact angle of 133°. The residual acid leaching residue is separated by simple water washing to obtain industrial salt. Finally, the insoluble residue is used as a catalyst support to construct a CuCe‐based catalyst for CO oxidation. As‐prepared CuCe‐based catalyst shows good catalytic activity for CO oxidation, achieving 99.9% CO conversion at 130°C. This novel strategy fully realizes the high‐value comprehensive utilization of fly ash and provides a new idea for solid waste treatment.