Potential applications of solid waste-based geopolymer materials: In wastewater treatment and greenhouse gas emission reduction

Geopolymers are novel aluminosilicate inorganic polymers. The preparation of geopolymers has the potential to minimize the environmental impacts of solid wastes through a reduction in both resource depletion and pollution. Owing to their high mechanical performance, resource/energy conservation, and low-carbon emission, waste-based geopolymer materials (WGM) have attracted increasing attention in recent years. This paper reviews the research and application of WGM in solid waste disposal, wastewater treatment, and greenhouse gas emission reduction. The potential raw materials for producing WGM from available solid wastes are classified into three categories, highlighting significant differences among these wastes. Moreover, this paper comprehensively reviews the current status of WGM with different forms and functions used in the wastewater treatment field, along with their effect mechanisms. Additionally, this paper extensively elucidates the significant contributions of WGM in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The wide range of raw materials, multifunctionality for water treatment, and low greenhouse gas emission characteristics of WGM ensure its practical and economically feasible application as an environmentally functional material. Owing to these characteristics, this paper outlines the future development prospects of WGM, further highlighting its advantages in preparation and practical application. This review provides references for addressing future challenges and promoting the development of WGM, contributing to its accelerated application in sustainable development and environmental protection.