Abstract: The raw attapulgite was activated with HCl and then by microwave heating activation and conventional heating activation. The effect on the adsorption of methylene blue on the attapulgite of conventional activation heating temperature and microwave activation heating time were investigated. The results indicate that with respect to the attabpulgite under investigation, the optimal temperature for conventional activation is 200 ℃ (activation time of 2 h）and the optimal time for microwave heating activation is 2 min (the microwave oven has an output power of 750 W). The methylene blue adsorption capacity of the attapugite activated by microwave heating activation for 2 min, and  that by conventional heating activation at 200 ℃ and that un-activated were compared. The result indicates that the adsorptive capacities of the attapugite activated by both heating activation methods are evidently improved. Though the adsorption capacity of the attapugite treated by microwave heating activation is slightly lower than that by the conventional method, microwave heating activation needs a time that is only 1/60 of the conventional method, thus greatly saving the energy. Moreover, it has a simple process.

Key words: Attabpulgite, Microwave heating activation, Conventional heating activation amount of methylene blue adsorption