Influence of Graphene Oxide on Geopolymerization in Concrete: Insights from Intermediate-Stage Quenching Reactions

This study investigated the influence of graphene oxide on the products of geopolymerization by interrupting the process at various stages throughout different time intervals. The evolution of phase composition and valence bond structure was systematically investigated. The ethanol/acetone solution successfully separated reaction products throughout the first phase (0–24 h). Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) exhibited strong adhesion to the geopolymer matrix throughout the reaction. As the reaction progressed, the material became denser, with a decrease in its amorphous nature. The incorporation of rGO accelerated the transformation of Al–O coordination from five and six to four, leading to the formation of a Q4(3Al) network structure with silicon atoms.