Abstract Geopolymers, possessing a semi-crystalline three-dimensional inorganic network generated by the dissolution and reaction of a solid alumino-silicate source with an activating solution, have attracted increasing attention from both academia and industry because of their unique and favorable characteristics. This review deals with the synthesis, characterization and potential applications of porous geopolymers, realized through different processing routes. Firstly, the processing approaches are divided into five categories: (i) Direct foaming, (ii) Replica method, (iii) Sacrificial filler method, (iv) Additive manufacturing, and (v) Other methods. Their microstructure, porosity and properties are compared and discussed in relation also to the different processing routes. This review highlights the fact that porous geopolymers are promising low-cost candidates for technologically significant applications such as catalyst supports or membranes, filtration of liquid or gases, adsorption and insulation. This review aims at summarizing the main published results and fostering further investigations into developing innovative ways to generate components with improved properties.

中文翻译：

---

高孔隙度地质聚合物的加工、性能和应用：综述

摘要 地质聚合物具有由固体铝硅酸盐源与活化溶液溶解和反应生成的半结晶三维无机网络，因其独特而有利的特性越来越受到学术界和工业界的关注。本综述涉及通过不同加工途径实现的多孔地质聚合物的合成、表征和潜在应用。首先，加工方法分为五类：（i）直接发泡，（ii）复制法，（iii）牺牲填料法，（iv）增材制造，以及（v）其他方法。它们的微观结构、孔隙率和性能也与不同的加工路线相关地进行了比较和讨论。这篇综述强调了这样一个事实，即多孔地质聚合物是具有重要技术应用价值的低成本候选材料，例如催化剂载体或膜、液体或气体过滤、吸附和绝缘。本综述旨在总结已发表的主要结果，并促进进一步研究开发创新方法以生成具有改进性能的组件。