Adsorption of p-cresol on novel diatomite/carbon composites

► Porous carbon/diatomite materials with an open porosity were synthesized. ► These hybrid composites are stable over a wide pH range. ► p-Cresol adsorption rate on the composites is very fast due to their pore structure. ► The composites showed p-cresol adsorption capacities similar to those of activated carbons.