Research hotspots and frontiers in metakaolin-based geopolymer studies: a bibliometric analysis

Metakaolin-based geopolymers, which are emerging as a novel and eco-friendly construction material, have garnered significant attention in recent years. This study employs bibliometric techniques to systematically analyze 1,553 relevant publications from the Web of Science database, with the goal of identifying research hotspots and trends over the period from 2003 to 2023 in this field. The findings reveal a pronounced growth trend in the annual publication volume of metakaolin-based geopolymers, particularly entering a phase of accelerated development after 2019. China emerges as the leading country in research output, establishing a close collaborative network with countries such as the USA, Italy, France, and Brazil. Institutions like the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia have demonstrated exceptional performance in this field.Cristina Leonelli boasts the highest publication output, while authors such as Joseph Davidovits and Peter Duxson have made significant contributions, providing valuable theoretical and practical guidance for subsequent research. The journal Construction and Building Materials has been identified as a core publication in this field. Keyword analysis reveals that research hotspots include raw material optimization, synthesis mechanisms, mechanical properties, durability, and environmental applications. The evolution of research hotspots in metakaolin-based geopolymers has progressed through three distinct stages: fundamental exploration, performance enhancement, and application expansion. Through a multidimensional analysis, this study systematically organizes the knowledge structure and development trends in metakaolin-based geopolymer research. It offers macro-level insights for related researchers and provides directions and ideas for future research.