Department of Engineering Enzo Ferrari, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
Research Article
Design and Characterization of Porous Geopolymer for Dye Removal
Author(s): Elton Yerima Ngu*, Julson Aymard Tchio, Linda Lekuna Duna, Cyriaque Rodrigue Kaze, Elie Kamseu, Tchakoute Kouamo Herve and Cristina Leonelli
This study demonstrates the preparation of porous geopolymers using different foaming agents for dye removal in
water using methylene blue as the model solution. The porous membranes were prepared by combining alkaline
activation solution, aluminosilicate source (either clay-rich laterite or iron-rich laterite), amorphous silica (rice husk
ash) with direct foaming (with either H2O2 or Al powder), followed by curing first at room temperature for two
hours, then at 65°C for another two hours. The physical properties such as apparent porosity, bulk density, water
absorption and stability in water were obtained to select porous geopolymer suitable for filtration. Results shows that
the best porous geopolymer suitable for filtration were those prepared using hydrogen peroxide as foaming agent and
have a rice husk content of ≤ 20%. Permeabil.. View more»