Application of geopolymers for treatment of industrial solid waste containing heavy metals: State-of-the-art review

Metallurgy, mineral processing, waste disposal, and other industries produce large amounts of industrial solid waste containing heavy metals (ISWCHM), which poses a serious threat to the ecological environment. Geopolymers are aluminosilicate inorganic polymers that have the advantages of high strength, good corrosion resistance, and low carbon emission during production. The use of ISWCHM to prepare geopolymers can simultaneously utilize solid waste resources and solidify heavy metals. In this paper, the latest research progress in the preparation of geopolymers from ISWCHM is reviewed, including the preparation techniques, application and solidification/stabilization mechanisms of heavy metals. In addition, we analyze existing research problems and provide an outlook on future research and development directions.