Abstract:In order to explore Keggin ion modified attapulgite to remove Zn(Ⅱ) from aqueous solutions, the modified materials were characterized by XRD, SEM, AFM, TG and XPS. Its adsorption mechanisms were studied by adsorption isothermal, kinetics and thermodynamics equation. The results show that the characteristic diffraction peaks of attapulgite appear on corresponding diffraction planes (200), (040) and (400) of the modified materials at 2?=13.7°, 19.9° and 27.6°, respectively. SEM analysis shows that its morphology is aggregates formed between rod crystals and rod bundles. Surface roughness of material is 32.3 nm represented by AFM. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that only a small amount of organic matter exist on surface of modified materials. XPS analysis shows that Zn(Ⅱ) is successfully adsorbed on surface of the modified materials, and no redox reaction occurred during reaction process. Adsorption of Zn(Ⅱ) from aqueous solutions by modified attapulgite is a spontaneous, endothermic and entropy-driven process. Attapulgite modified by Keggin ion as a cheap adsorbent can be used to remove Zn(Ⅱ) from aqueous solutions.