The activity and selectivity of catalytic peroxide oxidation of chlorophenols over Cu-Al hydrotalcite/clay composite

► The catalytic peroxide oxidation of CPs in the first step was selective. ► The content and position of chlorine influenced the oxidation rate of CPs. ► The hydrotalcite/clay composite exhibited high catalytic activity. ► There was an appropriate concentration ratio among catalyst, H2O2, and CPs.