Application of clay minerals as adsorbents for removing heavy metals from the environment

The harmful effects of heavy metals on the environment have attracted considerable attention. Adsorption is an effective method for removing heavy metals from water and soil. Clay minerals are abundant in the environment and have the advantages of a wide range of sources, low cost, and renewability. Clay minerals can be used as adsorbents to achieve the effective removal of heavy metals. In this review, clay minerals are systematically classified based on crystal interlayer structure, molecular structure, and corresponding physical and chemical properties. Then, the adsorption effects of clay minerals as adsorbents on common heavy metals in the environment are summarized, and the adsorption performance of modified clay minerals on heavy metals is improved. Finally, the experimental studies using clay minerals as adsorbents for soil groundwater remediation are summarized. In addition, clay minerals are not only used in the field of heavy metal adsorption and removal but also act as ideal catalysts and catalyst carrier materials. This review provides some references for the further applications of clay minerals in the field of environmental remediation and actual industry.