(TH)(3)PW(12) (TH = thionine, PW(12) = PW(12)O(40)(3-)) composite was prepared by direct precipitation of TH and PW12. The (TH)(3)PW(12) was characterized via UV-vis spectrum, FT-IR, SEM, and BET surface area. PW(12) was intact during the precipitation process. The composite has a bar-like shape and relatively large surface area (Langmuir surface of (TH)(3)PW(12) was 31.59 m(2) g(-1), BET surface was 20.26 m(2) g(-1)). Using the material as the photocatalyst, rhodamine B (RhB) was efficiently bleached and mineralized under visible light irradiation lambda > 420 nm). The kinetics of the photodecomposition follow the first-order reaction. The (TH)(3)PW(12) catalyst can be easily separated from the reaction system and has good stability for reuse. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.