A method of producing nanoclays comprising the steps of preparing a first intercalant alkali salt of a carboxylic acid, adding the first intercalant to a swelled clay at a temperature of at least 50.degree. C. so that the metal ions on the clay surface forms a complex with the carboxyl group that enlarges the space between the two galleries of clay. The method further comprises the step of adding an organic acid as a second intercalant to the clay modified by the first intercalant to form a clay/organic salt/organic acid complex. The clay/organic salt/organic acid complex may be post processed by precipitating, homogenizing with a solution comprising of water and alcohol, filtering, drying, milling, and sieving to produce the desired nanoclay.