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

Extensive research has been conducted on controlling carbon dioxide (CO₂), sulfur oxides (SO_x), and nitrogen oxides (NO_x) emissions in recent years with increasing environmental awareness. The primary contributor to climate change is the exponentially growing anthropogenic CO₂, NO_x, and SO_x 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, SO_x, and NO_x 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, NO_x, and SO_x 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.