Characterization of organo-modified bentonite sorbents: The effect of modification conditions on adsorption performance

•Modification of clay was evaluated by two methods for removing an organic substance.•Surfactant cations and organosilanes were intercalated into the interlayer space.•The hydrophobic surface of adsorbents increased the retention of organic substances.•Clay grafted with vinyltrimethoxysilane showed the highest adsorption for aniline.