3D-Printed Functionalized Geopolymer for Porous Ion Trapping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing geopolymer materials used for trapping ions, such as heavy metals and toxic elements, suffer from suboptimal specific surface area and porosity, leading to inefficient ion trapping and filtration capabilities, especially when 3D printed, and require high-temperature treatments that can alter the material.

Innovation Solution

A method combining 3D printing with functionalization of geopolymer using extractant groups to enhance specific surface area and porosity, eliminating the need for high-temperature treatments and incorporating sacrificial supports for complex shapes, resulting in a geopolymer capable of effectively trapping ions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If 3D printing is used to manufacture geopolymer parts with complex geometry, then manufacturing adaptability and shape control are improved, but total porosity and specific surface area decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing adaptabilityVSAvoidspecific surface area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies porous materials by incorporating a pore-forming agent (starch) into the geopolymer mixture before 3D printing. This creates a porous internal structure within the printed parts, increasing both total porosity (44.8%) and specific surface area (2.98 m²/g) while maintaining the complex geometry enabled by 3D printing. The porous structure is formed by the decomposition of the pore-forming agent during curing, leaving void spaces that enhance ion trapping capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining geopolymer binder with pore-forming agent (starch) and later with extractant groups. The multi-component composition allows simultaneous achievement of structural integrity from the geopolymer matrix and functional porosity from the decomposed pore-forming agent, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing adaptability and surface area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If conventional geopolymer synthesis is used, then material strength is achieved, but ion trapping efficiency remains suboptimal due to limited specific surface area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidion trapping efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a pore-forming agent (starch) into the geopolymer mixture before 3D printing. This creates a porous internal structure within the printed parts, increasing both total porosity (44.8%) and specific surface area (2.98 m²/g) while maintaining the complex geometry enabled by 3D printing. The porous structure is formed by the decomposition of the pore-forming agent during curing, leaving void spaces that enhance ion trapping capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes physical parameters by controlling curing temperature (60°C for 4 hours) to optimize both mechanical strength development and porosity formation. This temperature parameter allows simultaneous achievement of structural integrity and enhanced surface area for ion trapping, resolving the contradiction between strength and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If high-temperature treatment is applied to geopolymer, then material densification is achieved, but porosity and specific surface area are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial densificationVSAvoidspecific surface area

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the curing temperature parameter to 60°C for 4 hours, which is significantly lower than conventional high-temperature treatments. This moderate temperature allows the geopolymer to achieve sufficient mechanical strength and compositional stability while preserving the porous structure created by the decomposed pore-forming agent, thereby maintaining high specific surface area (2.98 m²/g) for ion trapping applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The method produces a geopolymer with a high specific surface area and optimized porosity, enabling efficient trapping and filtration of ions without high-temperature treatments, suitable for decontaminating liquid or gaseous effluents.

Implementation Method 1

a geopolymer capable of trapping at least one element of interest of the ion type

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

The preparation of a geopolymer comprises at least one step during which 3D printing is used

Methodology Applied

Scientific Effect3D Printing: 3D Printing

Data Source

PatentUS20260021468A1Method for preparing a functionalised geopolymer involving 3D printing, said geopolymer and its uses

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

AI summary

A method for preparing a geopolymer capable of trapping at least one ion, may include, firstly, preparing a geopolymer including at least one 3D printing, then functionalizing the geopolymer thus prepared by at least one extractant group, the group not including an —NH2 amine function. Such a functionalized geopolymer thus prepared may be used to separate at least one ion from a flow containing the at least one ion.