A novel nano-composite catalyst was prepared from immobilization of Fe-octacarboxylic acid phthalocyanine onto the supporting material attapulgite. The morphology and structure of the catalyst were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The catalyst activity was examined through comparative experiments, and results showed that it exhibited high activity for degradation of Rhodamine B in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. The recycling test was also carried out to prove its reusability in catalytic application. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.