RT info:eu-repo/semantics/article
T1 Design of Experiments Approach for Efficient Heavy Metals Stabilization Using Metakaolin-Based Geopolymers
A1 Russo, Raffaele Emanuele
A1 Santoni, Elisa
A1 Fattobene, Martina
A1 Giovini, Mattia
A1 Genua, Francesco
A1 Leonelli, Cristina
A1 Lancellotti, Isabella
A1 Herrero Gutiérrez, Ana
A1 Berrettoni, Mario
K1 Alkali activation
K1 Metakaolin-based geopolymer
K1 Chromium salts
K1 Nickel salts
K1 Heavy metal stabilization
K1 Multivariate approach
K1 Design of experiments
K1 Principal component analysis
K1 Metales pesados
K1 Heavy metals
K1 Polímeros
K1 Polymers
AB Alkali-activated aluminosilicate matrices are increasingly studied for their ability to stabilize hazardous metal contaminants via alkali activation at room temperature. In this study, metakaolin-based geopolymers were used to immobilize chromium and nickel salts, with systematic variation of key synthesis parameters, Na/Al molar ratio, metal concentration, anion type, and alkaline solution aging time, which have not been previously studied. A Design of Experiments approach was employed to study the effect of factors on metal leaching behavior and to better understand the underlying immobilization mechanisms. The analysis revealed that higher Na/Al ratios significantly enhance geopolymerization and reduce metal release, as supported by FTIR spectral shifts and decreased shoulder intensity. Notably, aging time had an influence on chromium behavior due to its effect on early silicate network formation, which can hinder the incorporation of chromium species. All tested formulations achieved metal immobilization rates of 98.8% or higher for both chromium and nickel. Overall, this study advances our understanding of geopolymer-based heavy metal immobilization.
PB MDPI
SN 1420-3049
YR 2025
FD 2025-08
LK https://hdl.handle.net/10259/10860
UL https://hdl.handle.net/10259/10860
LA eng
NO This research was funded by PNRR Next Generation UE, Mission 4, Component 2, Investment 1.1, D.D. N. 104 MUR 02/02/2022, and PRIN 2022 ACCHA-Advanced Chemical Characterization of Heavy Metals and Anions Encapsulated in Geopolymers with Synthetic Redox Environment, grant number 2022LKEKJ7, CUPE53D23008480006.
DS Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Burgos
RD 19-abr-2026