Ce-doped CaAl/layered double hydroxide was coated at activated carbon (CeO2/CaAl-LDHs/AC) by co-precipitation method with the aid of ultrasound. The products was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Flower-like layer structure CeO2/CaAl-LDHs was well distributed on the surface of active carbon with good thermostability. The adsorption of Cr(VI), Pb(II), fluoride and malachite green by CeO2/CaAl-LDHs/AC were investigated respectively in aqueous solution. All the adsorption processes agree with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacity of Cr(VI), Pb(II), fluoride and malachite green are 83.06 mg/g, 131.58 mg/g, 61.20 mg/g and 420.17 mg/g at pH=7.0, 45℃ and 2 h, respectively. © 2016, Chemical Industry Press. All right reserved.