This paper studies the sorption of phenol and 4-nitrophenol (4NP) onto solid sorbents derived from mixtures of montmorillonite, activated carbon (AC) and cement, denoted herein MACC. These materials are mesoporous and some of their physicochemical properties have been measured and discussed. The weight fraction X-1 (%) of montmorillonite in the mixtures strongly influences the sorbate removal rate. The sorption isotherms were experimentally established by batch testing on geomaterials with various X1 values at 20 degrees C and at different pH values (from 3 to 8). The Langmuir model correctly fits the sorption isotherm data (R-2 > 0.95). The results show increased sorption behavior for both phenol and 4NP on the composite geomaterials compared to the pure components, yielding the order: MACC > AC > montmorillonite. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.