Coal is a heterogeneous natural material with a three-dimensionally cross-linked network that consists of aromatic and hydroaromatic units connected by short aliphatic and ether linkages (1, 2, 3). The arrangement of nanometer-sized polyaromatic hydrocarbons with sp2 carbon allotropes varies with increasing coal rank through coalification process with carbon content rising from 70 wt.% in lignite to 75% in sub-bituminous, 85 % in bituminous and 94 % in highest ranked anthracite coal (2,3,4). Carbon science and its immense individual applications are recognized by the research and scientific community because of their unique and fundamental properties (5). The intense demand of carbon nanomaterials in different spheres of industrial application in the present advanced civilization, vis-à-vis use of expensive carbon feedstock with more expensive synthesis methods for nanomaterials production, limits the commercialization of these methods. Recent advancements in the production of various carbon-based nanomaterials from coals of different ranks (lignite, bituminous, anthracite) as raw materials open a new vista for potential application in the energy, environment and healthcare sector. Despite the development of numerous synthesis processes and fabrication technology, the mass production of environmentally friendly carbon-based nanomaterials in low cost is a challenge.

Coal has historically been the backbone of industrial development and electricity generation worldwide. Despite the global transition toward renewable energy, coal still plays a critical role in energy security, especially in rapidly developing economies. In countries such as India, coal contributes a major share of electricity generation due to its availability, affordability, and high energy density. However, traditional coal utilization is associated with significant environmental challenges, particularly greenhouse gas emissions.

Although its widespread use as a fossil fuel and raw material has helped advance the economy of many countries across the globe, rising concerns for the environment have significantly curbed its production and use, especially in developed countries. India ranks 2nd globally when it comes to the consumption of coal. At present, coal accounts for 55% of the energy needs in India, although the overall energy demand is expected to rise significantly due to the increasing population, expanding economy, and a quest for improved quality of life.

The increasing demand for clean energy with minimum environmental impact is driving the need for the development of efficient energy conversion technologies with efficient storage systems and production of advanced materials for future valuable use. Coal, being an abundant and cheap feedstock of carbon and carbon-based materials, could provide a feasible and long-term solution in energy, environment, and societal applications.

Coal will continue to occupy the center stage of India’s energy scenario. Molecular distributions, molecular architecture vis-à-vis rank of coal has a tremendous significance in determining the quality and suitability for specific applications such as feed-stock for chemicals, synthetic fuels, advanced carbon nano-material and in energy storage. Preliminary characterization of Indian coals has demonstrated the presence of nano-sized poly-cyclic-aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) for various potential applications, while the inter-layered spacing of the disordered carbon nano sheets present in coals and their electro-chemical behavior highlighted the potentiality of Indian coals to be used in energy storage applications, i.e., in lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. Despite this fact, it is potentiality for generating clean fuel like Hydrogen and producing fuel cells, super capacitors and futuristic nano-materials are being critically experimented on and hold the possibility of developing a successful and optimistic market.

To address these concerns, research and technological innovation are transforming coal from a conventional fuel into a cleaner and more efficient energy resource. Emerging technologies such as coal gasification, carbon capture and storage (CCS), underground coal gasification (UCG), and coal-to-chemicals processes are redefining the role of coal in a sustainable energy future.