Tb4O7 complexed with reduced graphene oxide composite (Tb-rGO) had been designed and fabricated by a facile thermal reduction method. The formation of Tb4O7 particles and reduction of graphene oxide (GO) occurred simultaneously, and partial terbium ions would be complexed with rGO via oxygen containing function groups on rGO sheets. Introducing of terbium ions could effectively tune the photoluminescence properties of rGO, and the composite exhibited the typical green emission of terbium ions as well as the blue self-luminescence of graphene entered at 440 nm. Moreover, Tb-rGO had demonstrated its high capability as an organic dye (Rhodamine-B) scavenger with high speed and efficiency. The findings showed the promising applications for large-scale removal of organic dye contaminants, especially in the field of waste water treatment. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.