Structural characterisation and environmental application of organoclays for the removal of phenolic compounds

► Hydrophobic organoclays were enhanced from hydrophilic montmorillonite. ► The conformational change in surfactants was examined using molecular mechanical calculation. ► The organoclays were more effective in removing p-nitrophenol (PNP) than p-chlorophenol (PCP). ► This study supported adsorption mechanisms for the uptake of phenolic compounds on organoclays.