Review on the progress in emission control technologies for the abatement of CO2, SOx and NOx from fuel combustion

Abstract Extensive research has been conducted on controlling carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur oxides (SOx), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions in recent years with increasing environmental awareness. The primary contributor to climate change is the exponentially growing anthropogenic CO2, NOx, and SOx in the air from various energy and industrial sectors. Hence, several pre-combustion and post-combustion processes to mitigate these gases have been introduced and implemented. Despite the benefits of CO2, SOx, and NOx abatement technologies, researchers still have major challenges to deal with. While the removal efficiencies, operational costs, and resulting byproducts of conventional removal technologies are being improved, new technologies are also emerging. As it is evident from the current abundant reserves of coal that it will continue to be in a significant position among the principal sources of energy for more than a decade, the research for the reduction of CO2, NOx, and SOx is inevitable to save future generations from the harmful impacts of these pollutants. This review paper summarizes the progress of different emission control technologies at the plant level and introduces emerging technologies that are environment friendly.