A composition including porous aggregates. The porous aggregates include alumino silicate nanoparticles. The alumino silicate nanoparticles have an average particle size between about 5 nm and about 60 nm, and a majority of the porous aggregates have a particle size between about 50 nm and about 1 m. In addition, a majority of the pores between the aluminosilicate nanoparticles in the porous geopolymer aggregates have a pore width between about 2 nm and about 100 nm.

A method of controlling the setting time of a geopolymer by coating aluminosilicate particles with nanoparticles to slow the geopolymerization reaction. The coating effectiveness of the nanoparticles may be enhanced by pretreating the aluminosilicate particles with a layer-by-layer assembly of polyelectrolytes. A geopolymer is formed by mixing about 39% to about 66% by weight aluminosilicate source, about 0% to about 40% by weight sand, about 19% to about 33% by weight of alkali activator solution, and about 1% to about 4% nanoparticles.

A composition can include cured geopolymer particles and a particulate cementitious material. The cured geopolymer particles and the particulate cementitious material are a mixed blend. The composition also relates to methods of making and using thereof.