Abstract Mineral grade and commercial grade bentonite pillared clays were prepared with SnO 2 . This is to create adsorbents for removal of contaminants from water. The initial and modified clays were characterized by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nitrogen sortometry. The results of the chemical analysis (XRF) clearly confirm the incorporation of tin in the modified materials. The analysis by SEM and nitrogen sortometry verified the successful modification of the clays by incorporation of tin dioxide species, and the appearance of mesoporous structures with an increase in the values of surface area and porosity.