High-surface-area pillared clays (PILC) were prepared from naturally occurring montmorillonites by exchanging interlayer ions to polyoxocations containing (i) aluminum (Al-13-PILC), (ii) iron adsorpted onto Al-13-PILC, and (iii) iron and aluminum located within the same complex (Fe0.8Al12.2-PILC. The obtained Fe0.8Al12.2-PILCs were characterized by DR-UV-vis and IR spectroscopy, XRD, ESR, scanning electron microscopy and low temperature N-2 adsorption measurements. Important factors affecting catalyst activity and phenol removal efficiencies have been studied, i.e. the effect of pH, temperature, catalyst concentration and stability of the catalyst. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.