Surface properties of pillared acid-activated bentonite as catalyst for selective production of linear alkylbenzene

► New catalysts were prepared by acid treatment and pillaring of bentonite. ► Treatments generated materials with different surface characteristics. ► Specific surface area, pore volume and acidity of acid-activated pillared clay were enhanced compared to the parent clay. ► More than 98% of conversion was achieved in the alkylation of benzene by 1-decene by acid-activated Al-pillared bentonite. ► Catalysts exhibited desirable selectivity toward linear alkylbenzene (LAB).