In this research, the removal of two phenols (4-nitrophenol and phenol) from aqueous solution was investigated using MgAl-mixed oxide. This oxide was prepared by calcining crystalline MgAl-CO3-layered double hydroxide (LDH) at 500 degrees C for 4 h. we found that it takes 10-12 h for adsorption of 4-nitrophenol to reach the equilibrium at room temperature while the equilibrium time is 20-25 h for phenol adsorption. The kinetic process of 4-nitrophenol adsorption seemingly follows the first-order reaction but phenol is adsorbed in a pseudo-second-order model. We also noted that the maximum adsorption amount of 4-nitrophenol by fitted three-parameter Langmuir-Freundlich isotherm is 367.8 mg/g, much higher than that of phenol (46.9 mg/g). The differences in the adsorption kinetics and dynamics have been related to the adsorption mechanism and adsorbate-adsorbent interactions. The reconstruction of MgAl-mixed oxide in aqueous solution incorporates 4-nitrophenolate into the interlayer. However, it is difficult to intercalate phenolate due to its weaker affinity for LDH in comparison with OH-. In addition, adsorption of MgAl-mixed oxide for 4-nitrophenol and phenol is slightly affected by the initial pH, but considerably facilitated by increasing the adsorption temperature. (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.