Ternary geopolymer synthesized using self-made rice husk ash-based water glass for removing Cu2+ and Cr3+ from wastewater

Abstract

In this study, a ternary microsphere geopolymer composed of fly ash, calcium carbide slag, and rice husk ash was synthesized, with homemade rice husk ash-based water glass employed as a substitute for industrial water glass. Through a series of characterizations, it was confirmed that calcium carbide slag and rice husk ash promote geopolymerization and produce more hydrated calcium silicate (C-S-H) gels. The ternary microsphere adsorbent demonstrates potential cost-effective and efficient applications in heavy metal adsorption.