Sodium alginate/Na+-rectorite composite microspheres: Preparation, characterization, and dye adsorption

► SA/Na+REC composite microspheres were prepared in an inverse suspension system. ► The optimal preparation condition of SA/Na+REC composite microspheres was obtained. ► SA/Na+REC is loose products with spherical surface and intercalation structure. ► SA/Na+REC has higher adsorption capacity than SA and Na+REC for cationic dyes.