In this paper, a novel strategy for the preparation of poly(levodopa) functionalized MgAI-layered double hydroxide (PDOPA-f-LDH) was developed based on the modified mussel inspired chemistry. The utilization of PDOPA-f-LDH for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution was also examined. Taken advantage of the self-polymerization of levodopa (DOPA) in alkaline solution and the strong affinity of catechol groups to the substrate surface, the LDH was covered homogeneously by a layer of polymer coating of DOPA, leading to the functionalization toward LDH. The structure, surface morphology, thermostability and elemental composition of as-prepared PDOPA-f-LDH were investigated by the transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Besides, the surface charge of the PDOPA-f-LDH was also investigated using zeta potential. The effects of various parameters, including contact time, initial MB concentration, solution pH and temperature, on the adsorption of MB onto PDOPA-f-LDH were systematically investigated. Results show that the adsorption capacity of functionalized LDH at 25 degrees C could reach up to 102 mg/g, which is much higher than that of pure LDH in the same experimental conditions. The adsorption kinetics and isotherm of MB adsorption were studied in batch experiments. The pseudo-second-order model is found to be the best to describe the adsorption kinetics. The isotherm result shows that the Freundlich isotherm is the better-fit-isotherm model to represent the equilibrium data. The values of thermodynamic parameters, including enthalpy change Delta H degrees, entropy change AS and Gibbs free energy change Delta G degrees, were also determined. All the Delta G degrees values are negative; the Delta H degrees and Delta S degrees values of PDOPA-f-LDH were -7.824 kJ mol(-1) and -0.01562 kJ mol(-1) K-1, respectively. And the activation energy of system (E-a) is calculated as 24.69 kJ mol(-1). The fact suggests that the MB adsorption on PDOPA-f-LDH is a spontaneous and exothermic process. These obtained results indicate that the prepared PDOPA-f-LDH could be used as an interesting adsorbent with great potential to adsorb the cationic dyeing pollutants from aqueous media. (c) 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.