Enhanced adsorption of 2,4-dichlorophenol from aqueous solution using modified low cost Algerian geomaterial

•Organic molecules do not intercalate in muscovite interlayer.•Positive/negative zeta-potential of CTAB-modified muscovite depending on pH.•Negative zeta-potential of DTAB-modified muscovite for all pH.•The adsorbed 2,4-dichlorophenol was desorbed effectively up to 70%.•The monolayer adsorption capacity was 239.80 mg/g for CTAB modified muscovite.•Great potential of regeneration of organo-muscovite compared to activated carbon.