Study on surface modification of attapulgite

Abstract In this study, the surface modification of attapulgite was studied. Firstly, the experiment of acid roasting was carried out. The morphology and composition of attapulgite before and after modification were systematically studied by means of SEM, TEM and FTIR. The results showed that the optimal experimental conditions for modification were hydrochloric acid acidification, the concentration was 1 M, the acidification time was 4 h, and the temperature was 75 °C.The thermal activation conditions were determined to be 420 °C roast for 2 h. Attapulgite was successfully modified, and its specific surface area ratio increased greatly, from 144.29 m2g−1 to 187.87 m2g−1. In this study, the attapulgite with high specific surface area prepared is of great significance for the further use of attapulgite with high added value.