NOVEL APPLICATIONS OF METAL-GEOPOLYMERS

• Published in: Ceramic Engineering and Science Proceedings pp. 69 - 82
• Main Authors: Bortnovsky, O, Bezucha, P, Sazama, P, Dedecek, J, Tvaruzkova, Z, Sobalik, Z
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.2010
• Subjects: Ceramics; Cobalt; Ion exchangers; Molding (process); Nanostructure; Sodium; Zeolites
• ISBN: 0470921919; 9780470921913
• ISSN: 0196-6219
• DOI: 10.1002/9780470944103.ch7

Geopolymers are generally XRD-amorphous materials; however, recent research has proved that they contain nanosize particles probably with a zeolitic structure. It has also been confirmed that sodium in metakaolin-based geopolymer could be easily exchanged for other cations such as ammonium, cobalt, copper etc. Moreover, according to UV-VIS spectra of Co-geopolymer, it has been proven that the local arrangements of Co2+ - extraframework ions in cationic positions correspond to those known in high-silica zeolites, such as mordenite, ZSM-5 or beta. A similar high level of ion exchange with various ions of transition metals has also been reached for metakaolin-slag-based geopolymers. Accordingly, it is expected that these metal-exchanging geopolymers would show similar properties and potential applications as zeolites, while keeping the advantages of the geopolymers, such as simple synthesis procedure, easy moulding into complicated shapes or forming thin highly adhesive layers. These novel applications, such as heterogeneous catalysis for environmental applications and active antibacterial thin coating of metal-geopolymers, are presented and discussed.