| Abstract: | This study investigates the use of KMnO4 doped geopolymers as controlled‐release materials for remedial applications. The geopolymers were prepared by mixing alkali activated Na‐silicate solutions, metakaolin, and various amounts of granular KMnO4. Samples were heat treated at 75 °C for 48 h. Concentrations of KMnO4 in samples 1, 2, and 3 were 1.40 × 10?1, 4.63 × 10?1, and 6.07 × 10?1 g/cm3, respectively. 1D column experiments showed that a high MnO4? release rate lasted for the first few hours, followed by a gradual decrease of MnO4? release. Neither cracks nor surface erosion of the geopolymers were observed throughout the experiments. Sample 1 approached exhaustion at the end of the Day 7. It took about 18 d for exhaustion of KMnO4 releases in samples 2 and 3. Modeling of the observed KMnO4 releases suggested diffusion and dissolution‐related fast transport as the most important mechanisms. This latter mechanism involves the creation of a connected secondary porosity in the geopolymers by dissolution of KMnO4 granules. The contribution of Fickian diffusion to the total release decreased as the KMnO4 content of the samples increased, and the dissolution mechanism became increasingly important. |
