XRF Spectrometry Research Articles

Unveiling Chemical, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties of Fagonia indica Grown in the Hail Mountains, Saudi Arabia.

The Aja and Salma mountains in the Hail region are home to a variety of indigenous wild plants, some of which are used in Bedouin folk medicine to treat various ailments. The purpose of the current study was to unveil the chemical, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of Fagonia indica (Showeka) grown widely in these mountains, as data on the biological activities of this plant in this remote area are scarce. XRF spectrometry indicated the presence of some essential elements, which were in the order of Ca > S > K > AL > CL > Si > P > Fe > Mg > Na > Ti > Sr > Zn > Mn. Qualitative chemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, terpenes, flavonoids, tannins, phenols and cardiac glycosides in the methanolic extract (80% v/v). GC-MS showed the presence of 2-chloropropanoic acid 18.5%, tetrahydro-2-methylfuran 20.1%, tridecanoic acid 12-methyl-, methyl ester 2.2%, hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester 8.6%, methyl 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate 13.4%, methyl linoleate 7.0%, petroselinic acid methyl ester 15%, erucylamide 6.7% and diosgenin 8.5%. Total phenols, total tannins, flavonoids, DPPH, reducing power, -carotene and ABTS IC50 (mg/mL) scavenging activity were used to measure the antioxidant capabilities of Fagonia indica, which exhibited prominent antioxidant properties at low concentrations when compared to ascorbic acid, butylate hydroxytoluene and beta-carotene. The antibacterial investigation revealed significant inhibitory effects against Bacillus subtilis MTCC121 and Pseudomona aeruginosa MTCC 741 with inhibition zones of 15.00 ± 1.5 and 12.0 ± 1.0 mm, respectively. The MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) and MBC (minimum bactericidal concentration) ranged between 125 to 500 μg/mL. The MBC/MIC ratio indicated possible bactericidal efficacy against Bacillus subtilis and bacteriostatic activity against Pseudomona aeruginosa. The study also showed that this plant has anti-biofilm formation activity.

Non-destructive screening methodology based on handheld XRF for the classification of concrete: cement type-driven separation

The utilization of locally available concrete waste for producing recycled concrete aggregates is recognized as one of the most sustainable ways of satisfying the growing demand for concrete production. However, the quality of concrete waste depends on its origin and it may significantly differ from one concrete structure to another. Knowing the chemical composition of the parent concrete is crucial for determining or verifying the origin of the raw materials. For this reason, pre-demolition concrete waste streams need to be characterized and classified. Therefore, a new non-destructive method for determining the cement and aggregate type in hardened concrete using handheld X-ray fluorescence (hXRF) analyser is presented in this paper. The method was tested on different raw powders and on concretes containing different types of cements including CEM I 42.5 N (Portland cement), CEM II/B-V 42.5 N (Portland-fly ash cement), CEM III/B 42.5 N (GGBFS cement). Combined desktop XRF and Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) measurements were used for the purpose of validation. The results revealed that the curing of concrete affects the results: a dried concrete surface condition was optimal for measurements since it limits the impact of the concrete surface moisture and efflorescence on characteristic element oxides, such as CaO. The effective measurement duration was 30 s. A CEM III/B 42.5 N (GGBFS)-based concrete surface was distinguished from other concretes using Al2O3, MgO and Fe2O3 as characteristic oxides. The inner layers of concrete were rich in SiO2, the oxide characteristic for the aggregate composition tested in this study. This shows that hXRF is suitable for use in concrete, provided that the concrete surface is dried and the characteristic elements are defined to ensure a distinction between different cement and aggregate types. Direct adoption of such characterization, however, requires field testing across a wide range of concrete compositions and in situ conditions.

Enhancement of acellular biomineralization, dental pulp stem cell migration, and differentiation by hybrid fibrin gelatin scaffolds.

The current in vitro study aims to evaluate cross-linked hydrogels with and without the addition of fibrin that could potentially be used in endodontic regeneration as a scaffold material. Synthesis of gelatin/fibrin scaffold, and performing nanoscale characterization using cryo-electron microscopy, dynamic rheology, and XRF for structure property relations; plating dental pulp stem cells and determining mineralization, migration, and differentiation using rt-PCR, XRF, and Raman spectroscopy. Cryo electron imaging shows gelatin and fibrin, when gelled separately to form classical rectangular cross-linked networks, where the modulus scales inversely with the cube root of the mesh size. When gelled together, a network with a fundamentally different structure is formed, which has higher ductility and when placed as a scaffold in osteogenic media, produces twice the mineral content. Immunofluorescence, RT-PCR and Rahman Spectroscopy indicate that the hybrid gel enhances cell migration, induces odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells, and promotes formation of dentin. The mechanical properties of the hybrid gel scaffold enhance in-migration of stem cells and subsequent differentiation, which are critical for regenerative procedures. Under acellular conditions, placement of the hybrid gel enhances biomineralization, which would strengthen the root if used as a scaffold for endodontic regeneration. Our in vitro findings are consistent with previous in vivo studies which show improved mineralization when bleeding is induced into the canal, given that fibrin is a primary component in blood clotting. Therefore, insertion of the hybrid gelatin-fibrin scaffold could enable more reproducible and consistent outcomes if used for regenerative endodontic treatment (RET).

Non-Invasive Study of Pigment Palette Used by Olga Boznańska Investigated with Analytical Imaging, XRF, and FTIR Spectroscopy

The scientific examination and comparative investigation of pigments are fundamental for further understanding and analysis of historic and artistic works, and particularly useful for conservators. In fine art authentication, investigations are strongly focused on the identification of the painting materials used by the author. This study is focused on the use of non-invasive analytical techniques to increase the knowledge of the painting technique of Olga Boznańska. The aim of this study was to assess the technology, painting technique, and materials used by Olga Boznańska. The pallets, tubes with the paints, and several oil paintings were studied. For each painting, a series of images were recorded using various ranges of electromagnetic radiation, including near-infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, and X-rays. In order to characterize the pigments present in the paint layer, measurements of the elemental composition by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) were carried out. The ground layers and paints were measured with infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). This allowed us to identify the artist’s painting technique and determine how she executed her painting, how she applied the paints, and what pigments she used.

Methods for Pt-WO3/SBA-15 materials synthesis for glycerol conversion

Glycerol has applications as a raw material in different industrial processes, however, its supply exceeds demand. An alternative to increase the added value of this feedstock is its conversion into high added-value chemical products through dehydration and hydrogenation reactions, from which 1,2-PDO and 1,3-PDO can be obtained. To develop catalysts that increase the conversion and selectivity of these processes, materials of 2% Pt and 10% WO3 supported on SBA-15 were studied. Two methods were used for incipient wetness impregnation: sequential impregnation, with impregnation steps for each species, and co-impregnation, with a single impregnation step for both species. From the analysis of XRD, XRF, N2 isotherms, SEM, EDS, FTIR, and pyridine FTIR spectroscopy, it was possible to observe the influence of these methods on the structural and textural properties. It was verified that the co-impregnation provided a better dispersion of the WO3 species on the surface of the SBA-15 and that the reduction process, for both methodologies employed, showed an improvement in the metallic dispersion. The better dispersion of WO3 species also resulted in a greater formation of Brønsted acid sites for the co-impregnation method, with a predominance of Lewis sites in the structure of the catalysts obtained by both methods.

Modified red clays as adsorbents in the removal of cationic dyes from aqueous solutions

Thermal and thermo-chemical modification methods were applied to a red clay mineral and the resulted products were comparatively studied. The modified clays were characterized by XRD, XRF, UV-vis and FTIR spectroscopy. The adsorption properties towards two cationic dyes, namely methylene blue and crystal violet, were investigated and the effect of initial concentration and contact time was analyzed, revealing superior adsorption properties for the thermo-chemical modified clay. The values of dye removal rate are very high, over 85%, with better adsorption of methylene blue and a competition between dyes as demonstrated by using binary solutions. The best match with the experimental results was obtained for the pseudo-second-order kinetic model.

Bone diagenesis of archaeological human remains from Apulia (Italy) investigated by ATR-FTIR and XRF spectroscopy

The analysis of the organic and mineral content of biological samples allows to define post-mortem alterations and the preservation status of ancient human remains. Here, we report a physical–chemical characterization of bone specimens from some skeletal remains found in Apulia (Italy) dating back to the prehistoric, classic-hellenistic, and medieval periods. Specific infrared band ratios from Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform InfraRed and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopies were considered to evaluate the extent of the diagenetic process and the elemental composition of bone.Physical-chemical post-mortem transformations were related to the soil composition and specificity of tissue districts, burial rituals, probable dietary customs and pathologies.

Focusing on red and black engobes in Roman pottery from Cumae (southern Italy): Pompeian Red Ware and Graue Platten ceramic productions

This short paper provides additional details to a recent minero-petrographic investigation on local and exotic ceramic artefacts collected from the Forum of Cumae and particularly about the composition of the ceramic slips of locally produced Pompeian Red Ware (PRW) and the imported pottery known as Graue Platten (GP). These pottery fragments were characterised via non-destructive techniques (portable XRF and Raman spectroscopy), the results of which have been validated with micro-destructive X-ray diffraction, and conventional electron and optical microscopy techniques.As a whole, the internal red slip of PRW samples should be made using a slurry of a levigated, iron-rich clay material (i.e., ochre) suspended in water and then fired in oxidizing atmosphere in order to obtain the typical red hue. Clear differences in the technological manufacturing between the older (dated from the 1st century BCE to the early 1st century CE) and later (from the 1st to the 4th centuries CE) PRW ceramic productions have been highlighted.The dark colour of the ceramic slip in fragments of Graue Platten (dated between the 1st century BCE and the 1st century CE) seems to be conferred by the occurrence of carbon black material, detected via Raman spectroscopy and EDS spectrometry. Probably, presence of carbon black could be due to the thermal decomposition, in absence of oxygen (pyrolysis), of colloidal organic matter.This investigation sheds new light on production technologies of engobes of these ancient Roman ceramic productions, although further investigations are required to infer the provenance of clayey materials used for the manufacturing of PRW coating in archaeological workshops of the Campania region.

Influence of the textural characteristics and the preparation conditions of the support on coking resistance and performance of Ni/MgAl2O4 catalysts

This study aimed at establishing the influence of the textural properties, interparticle pores in particular, of the support in Ni/MgAl2O4 catalyst on other physicochemical properties and on coke formation during partial oxidation of methane. Ni catalysts were prepared over four different MgAl2O4 supports with different surface area and pore characteristics to establish their impact. Mesoporous MgAl2O4 supports were prepared by modified sol-gel and co-precipitation methods, and were compared with a commercial nano-powder counterpart. The catalysts were characterized by various techniques including powder XRD, XRF, N2 sorption, TEM, CO2-TPD, H2-TPR, DRIFTS, TGA, and Raman spectroscopy. The catalysts over the sol-gel prepared supports showed CH4 conversion around 89%, H2 selectivity close to 100%, H2/CO ratio ∼2.05, and negligible carbon deposits. While the catalyst over the support prepared by coprecipitation showed comparable conversion and products selectivity, it showed a slight decrease in conversion that was referred to the formation of a small amount of carbon deposit. On the other hand, the catalyst based on the commercial MgAl2O4 nano-powder showed conversion ∼84%, H2/CO ratio of 2.2, and large amount of coke deposit that lead to unstable conversion and gradual deactivation. The significantly enhanced coking resistance of the catalysts based on the prepared supports was referred to their larger volume of wider mesopores and their higher density of basic sites. On the other hand, the considerable and rapid coke formation over commercial support-based catalyst was referred to the narrow pores as well as lower pore volume, in addition to the lower density of basic sites, of its support. Narrow pores are expected to get rapidly filled with carbonaceous species blocking some active sites, hindering diffusion of products as well as O2 and CO2 access, and limiting oxidation and removal of these species as they form. The results indicate that the dominance of wide interparticle mesopores (>5 nm) of the support are essential to avoid coke accumulation.

The forger's identikit: A multi-technique characterization of Pippo Oriani's fake paintings

This work is part of a multi-disciplinary study aimed at creating the first scientific database to support the future authentication of paintings on the art market. In particular, five fake paintings attributed to the Italian painter Pippo Oriani (1909–1972) have been characterized. Since no scientific literature concerning the material composition used by the artist is available, the five paintings were studied with a multi-technique approach aiming at better understanding the forgery process. The obtained results can be used in the future as a first step to support the authentication of Oriani's artworks on the art market. In particular, it allows to evaluate the consistency of data obtained from future scientific investigations on Oriani's artwork with the forgery process reported in the present database. Non-invasive diagnostic tools, such as UV imaging, IR and IR-false colour photography, XRF, μ-Raman and FTIR spectroscopies have been used to fully characterize the fake paintings. The combination of these techniques led to obtaining useful information on the support preparation method, the pictorial materials, and the execution technique of the artist/forger(s).A wide range of inorganic pigments and organic dyes have been detected, together with the use of oil and wax as binders. The results revealed a strong similarity among the different paintings, thus supporting the idea that the forger(s) knew very well the original Oriani's pictorial technique.The detailed identification of all the materials used in the forgery process for Oriani's fake paintings will help to support the authentication of other ambiguous paintings in future cases.

X-ray fluorescence spectrometry for environmental analysis: Basic principles, instrumentation, applications and recent trends

In recent years, the conceptual advancement on green analytical chemistry (GAC) has moved in parallel with efforts to incorporate new screening or quantitative low-cost analytical tools to solve analytical problems. In this sense, the role of solid state techniques that allow the non-invasive analysis (or with a minimum sample treatment) of solid samples cannot be neglected. This review describes the basic principles, instrumentation and advances in the application of X-ray fluorescence instrumentation to the environmental sciences research topics, published between 2006 and 2020. Obviously, and because of the enormous number of works that can be found in the literature, it is not possible to exhaustively cover all published articles and the diversity of topics related to the environment in which a solid state technique like XRF has been applied successfully. It is a question of making a compilation of the instrumentation in use, the significant advances in XRF spectrometry and sample treatment strategies to highlight the potential of its implementation for environmental assessment.

Late Middle Ages watermarked Italian paper: A Machine Learning spatial-temporal approach

• Machine Learning to classify watermarked Italian paper. • XRF and FTIR spectroscopies to study late middle-aged Italian watermarked paper. • A new spatial-temporal approach to trace the local recipes and the geographical paper mills’ production. • Bergamo and Bologna stand out as marked watermarked Italian paper mills. Manuscripts, illuminated codex, books, documents and letters are composite materials, traces of the past starting from the invention of the writing. In this context, dating is one of the most important information for document attribution, and watermarked papeItaly'smarkers for studying their time-spatial distribution. In the Late Middle Ages, Italy's most important centre of paper mill was located in the town of Fabriano (Marche region, Italy). Here, a selection of ten Italian Late Middle Ages watermarked papers belonging to the Corpus Chartarum Italicarum ( Corpus of Italian papers) is characterised by elemental and molecular spectroscopies and collected data are analysed by Machine Learning (ML) to trace the local fabrication recipes and the geographical paper mills production. Data from portable X-ray fluorescence and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were analysed through Singular Vector Machine, Soft Independent Modeling of Class Analogy and Moving Blocks methods. This innovative ML spatial-temporal approach based on keeping the temporal variable fixed is used to find elemental benchmarks for classifying the watermarked Italian notarial catalogue of the Late Middle Ages finding differences in the local recipes and studying the homogeneity in the paper mills’ production. Results show that watermarked paper from Northern Italy, from the town of Strozza, Piacenza and Bergamo , as well as Bologna, present a high elemental and molecular homogeneity, which indicates that the hand-made processing technique could be the same helped by the proximity of the three cities, starting point for technologies exchange or influence. No heavy metals are found in the watermarked paper and K, Ca, Fe and Zn are identified as elemental benchmarks. Finally, Ca, Ti, Mn, Cr and Fe are particularly present on the edges of the watermarked papers.

Distinguishing Genuine Imperial Qing Dynasty Porcelain from Ancient Replicas by On-Site Non-Invasive XRF and Raman Spectroscopy.

The combined use of non-invasive on-site portable techniques, Raman microscopy, and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy on seven imperial bowls and two decorated dishes, attributed to the reigns of the Kangxi, Yongzheng, Qianlong, and Daoguang emperors (Qing Dynasty), allows the identification of the coloring agents/opacifiers and composition types of the glazes and painted enamels. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the elements used in the (blue) marks and those found in the blue, yellow, red, and honey/gilded backgrounds on which, or in reserve, a floral motif is principally drawn. The honey-colored background is made with gold nanoparticles associated with a lead- and arsenic-based flux. One of the red backgrounds is also based on gold nanoparticles, the second containing copper nanoparticles, both in lead-based silicate enamels like the blue and yellow backgrounds. Tin and arsenic are observed, but cassiterite (SnO2) is clearly observed in one of the painted decors (dish) and in A676 yellow, whereas lead (calcium/potassium) arsenate is identified in most of the enamels. Yellow color is achieved with Pb-Sn-Sb pyrochlore (Naples yellow) with various Sb contents, although green color is mainly based on lead-tin oxide mixed with blue enamel. The technical solutions appear very different from one object to another, which leads one to think that each bowl is really a unique object and not an item produced in small series. The visual examination of some marks shows that they were made in overglaze (A608, A616, A630, A672). It is obvious that different types of cobalt sources were used for the imprinting of the marks: cobalt rich in manganese for bowl A615 (Yongzheng reign), cobalt rich in arsenic for bowl A613 (but not the blue mark), cobalt with copper (A616), and cobalt rich in arsenic and copper (A672). Thus, we have a variety of cobalt sources/mixtures. The high purity of cobalt used for A677 bowl indicates a production after ~1830–1850.

Investigation of the chemical and radiation stability of titanium dioxide with surface arsenate groups during 90Sr adsorption

The chemical and radiation stability of titanium dioxide with surface arsenate groups during 90Sr adsorption has been studied. The oxalate technique has been used to obtain a solution containing 90Sr from the objects of the aquatic environment of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. The dependence of the strontium adsorption on the acidity of the solution and the initial activity of the solution (Bq per mL) has been shown. SEM, XRF, and EDS spectroscopy confirm the chemical resistance of 4As–TiO2 during regeneration. According to the study with 90Sr, the decrease in the adsorption capacity of 4As–TiO2 during regeneration is associated with incomplete leaching of strontium from 4As–TiO2 micropores.Using an electron accelerator, the radiation resistance of titanium dioxide with surface arsenate groups to β- -particles with an energy of 1 MeV has been studied. The invariability of the elemental composition and adsorption properties of 4As–TiO2 at irradiation doses of 5·107Sv testifies to the high radiation resistance of 4As–TiO2. The result obtained indicates the promise of 4As–TiO2 for improving radiochemical methods.

A Multi-Analytical Approach to Infer Mineral–Microbial Interactions Applied to Petroglyph Sites in the Negev Desert of Israel

Petroglyph sites exist all over the world. They are one of the earliest forms of mankind’s expression and a precursor to art. Despite their outstanding value, comprehensive research on conservation and preservation of rock art is minimal, especially as related to biodeterioration. For this reason, the main objective of this study was to explore the factors involved in the degradation of petroglyph sites in the Negev desert of Israel, with a focus on biodegradation processes. Through the use of culture-independent microbiological methods (metagenomics), we characterized the microbiomes of the samples, finding they were dominated by bacterial communities, in particular taxa of Actinobacteria and Cyanobacteria, with resistance to radiation and desiccation. By means of XRF and Raman spectroscopies, we defined the composition of the stone (calcite and quartz) and the dark crust (clay minerals with Mn and Fe oxides), unveiling the presence of carotenoids, indicative of biological colonization. Optical microscopy and SEM–EDX analyses on thin sections highlighted patterns of weathering, possibly connected to the presence of biodeteriorative microorganisms that leach the calcareous matrix from the bedrock and mobilize metal cations from the black varnish for metabolic processes, slowly weathering it.

Portable X-ray Fluorescence Analysis of Organic Amendments: A Review

Portable XRF spectrometry (pXRF) has recently undergone significant technological improvements and is being applied in a wide range of studies. Despite pXRF advantages, this technique has rarely been used to characterize organic amendments and residues. This article reviews those studies undertaken to date in which pXRF is used to characterize these products. Published studies show that pXRF correctly measures elements such as Fe, Pb, Zn, Mn, Ca, and K but gives conflicting results for elements such as Cr, Ni, and As. Among the reasons that may cause the low performance of the technique with certain elements or under certain measurement conditions would be the inadequacy of the analytical comparison procedures used (i.e., digestion with aqua regia), the lack of knowledge of the interfering effects of organic matter, and sample moisture on the XRF signals and the need for a standardized protocol for performing the measurements. However, the speed and low cost of the procedure forecast a greater future use of this technique, especially in cooperation with other fast spectroscopic techniques based on near-infrared (NIRS) or mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopies. Chemometric procedures based on one or more of these techniques will allow the prediction of elements below the detection limit of pXRF instruments (Cd, Hg), or other properties of organic amendments (organic matter, N, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity).

Purification and Characterization of High Purity Nano Zirconia by Liquid-Liquid Extraction Using D2EHPA/p-Xylenes

In this paper, Zr(IV) nitrate solution decomposed from Viet Nam zircon concentrate was the source of zirconium extraction by liquid-liquid extraction (L.L.E). The FT-IR and UV-Vis spectra confirmed the extraction of Zr(IV) by D2EHPA/p-xylenes. There were four stages for the purification of impurities from the Zr matrix. First, the extraction of elements in 3.0 M HNO3 by 50% D2EHPA/p-xylenes was conducted. Second, two scrubbing cycles of impurities using 6.0 M HNO3, 76.5% of the total amount of Zr(IV) were retained in the organic phase, and 23.5% remained in the aqueous phase. Third, the stripping of a macro amount of zirconium from loaded D2EHPA has been effectively carried out using 1.5 M H2SO4 with a stripping efficiency of 99.6%. Fourth, concentrated ammonia was added to the solution Zr(IV) after stripping extraction to form precipitate for calcination at 550 °C for the final products. The refined products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), EDS, XRF, and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The ZrO2 has high purity, is nanospherical, and has a uniform sphere-like morphology with small grain size of less than 30 nm and a bandgap value of about 3.30 eV.

Jewel on a man’s head – a felt hat from an archaeological excavation at 1 Sadowa Street in Gdańsk

In 2009–2010, an archaeological excavation was carried out at 1 Sadowa Street in the so-called Lower City of Gdańsk/Poland (former Danzig), during which a considerable number of artefacts of organic materials were discovered, including a well-preserved felt hat from a 17th/18th century layer of a building. The aim of the activities undertaken by the Authors of this paper was to establish the chronology of the hat, determine how it was made, identify the material, and perform an in-depth analysis of its form compared with other finds of thiskind using basic research methods. The employed methods included the typological method, a case study as well as organoleptic and microscopic methods for identifying the item and determining the degree of material biodegradation. The following research techniques wereadopted: technological textile, felt, etc. analysis including observation of the surface with a stereoscopic microscope, material analysis with an optical microscope, and XRF spectrometry.

Effect of sulfur, phosphorus, silicon, and delta ferrite on weld solidification cracking of AISI 310S austenitic stainless steel

Solidification cracking is very common in the welding process of austenitic stainless steels and can lead to premature failures. Yet, the main quantitative impact of S, P and Si on solidification cracking is still lacking. In addition, the present solidification cracking prediction diagrams are merely composition based, i.e., Creq/Nieq dependent. Hence, this work aim to highlight the importance of controlling S, P, Si, and δ-ferrite on the susceptibility of AISI 310S to solidification cracking. Penetrant testing, XRF spectrometry, hardness, ferrite measurements, along with microscopic examination were used. XRF spectroscopy revealed 0.09% S, 0.09% P and 2.27% Si at the weld which are deemed to be in critical range according to the reported literature and ASTM A240. Benchmarking the results with the modified Suutala and Pacary curves revealed close results. Therefore, outcomes from this work can aid in the development of such prediction diagrams, along with improvement to the refining industry.

Construction and Demolition Residuals as Raw Materials for the Production of Novel Geopolymer Building Materials

The increasing number of new construction projects requiring high-quality building products, which, in turn, emit enormous amounts of CO2, runs counter to European and global climate goals. The increasing occupation of valuable landfill space is also an ecological problem. To meet these challenges without having to lower living standards, more ecological building materials should be used in the future. Geopolymers or alkali-activated materials, which, unlike conventional building materials, can be produced and used without a prior burning or calcination process, offer a comparatively low-CO2 alternative. Significant CO2 emissions can already be saved by using this technology. The aim of this work is to investigate whether geopolymers can also be produced from construction and demolition residuals generated by the construction industry in order to counteract the problem of the increasing use of landfill space and, at the same time, to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the production of building materials. For this purpose, various residual materials from the construction and demolition industry are investigated by means of XRF, XRD, and IR spectroscopy for their setting behavior by alkaline activation. At the same time, the characteristic values of compressive strength, flexural strength, bulk density, and thermal conductivity, which are important for building materials, are determined in order to test the possible applications of the resulting materials as building materials.