In this study, we report a facile and effective route to synthesize core shell SiO2@MgO with flower like morphology, which the shell is assembled by magnesium oxide nanosheets. The SiO2@MgO composite (SMC) was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and N-2 adsorption desorption techniques. The sample showed excellent performance for the removal of crystal violet due to its high specific surface area and porous structures. Adsorption data fitted better with Langmuir isotherm and the maximum adsorption capacity was 2244.85 mg g(-1). The kinetic data was better described by pseudo-second order model and thermodynamic studies showed that adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. The adsorbent also showed very good reproducibility and reusability for the successive five cycles, indicating a promising potential material for environmental remediation. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.