The nanoscale zero valent iron-rectorite (nZVI-R) composite was successfully synthesized through incorporation of nano-zero valent iron (nZVI) into the natural rectorite as supports. Iron ions were imbedded in the interlayer of rectorite clay via an ion-exchange reaction, and then the exchangeable Fe(III) cations were reduced to nZVI by NaBH4 in solution. The confinement of Fe crystal growth in the interlayer regions of rectorite resulted in the formation of nZVI particles at ca. 10.3nm. The structure, morphology, Fe species, crystal phase, and...