Synergistic enhancement of geopolymer concrete using graphene oxide and nano nickel oxide: <scp>RSM</scp> ‐optimized multifunctional composites for sustainable infrastructure

Abstract The study explored the improvements made to geopolymer concrete (GPC) by combining graphene oxide (GO) and nano nickel oxide (NNO) in a synergistic way. GPC, renowned for its sustainability and durability, undergoes significant improvements in mechanical, thermal, and functional properties through the incorporation of GO and NNO. The synergistic interplay between these nanomaterials enhanced the efficiency and microstructure of GPC. Characterization of the nanomaterials and composites is conducted through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) methods. Response surface methodology (RSM) optimized the composition and processing parameters, leading to superior mechanical performance. In particular, at the ideal addition of 49.201% fly ash (FA), 0.3% GO, and 0.3% NNO, multifunctional GPC exhibited enhanced properties. The compressive strength of GPC/NNO/GO mixed concrete increased by 50%, in contrast to the control mix, accompanied by improvements in flexural and splitting tensile strength. The study offered valuable insights into leveraging nanomaterials to engineer multifunctional GPC with superior properties, expanding its potential applications in various construction and infrastructure sectors. The novelty of the research is based on the synergistic combination of graphene oxide and nano nickel oxide, whose effects on the mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete were systematically optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). This synergetic nano‐optimization approach established a multi‐functional upgrade for geopolymer concrete and a sustainable and enduring infrastructure solution.