Designing of Recyclable Attapulgite for Wastewater Treatments: A Review

Due to the low cost, and extraordinary physical and chemical properties, attapulgite (ATP) has sparked considerable interest as water remediation materials. Since traditional ATP nanomaterials have inherent limitations in separation and recycle, this paper focuses on designs of recyclable attapulgite composites, which show great potential in practical environmental remediation. First, the advantages of ATP properties are highlighted and discussed in comparison with other one-dimensional materials. Then, three types of strategies are summarized to fabricate recyclable ATP nanocomposites: (1) magnetic attapulgite adsorption materials, (2) millimeter-sized attapulgite-based adsorbents, and (3) filtration membranes/meshes. Additionally, the syntheses, applications, and corresponding mechanisms toward numerous pollutants are included. Finally, challenges and future prospects of fabrications and applications are presented.