A novel attapulgite/polyaniline/phosphomolybdic acid-based amperometric sensing platform was constructed for the determination of iodate. Nanostructured attapulgite was utilized for reducing agglomeration of polyaniline particles, and the as prepared attapulgite/polyaniline composite was used to immobilize phosphomolybdic acid. Excellent electrocatalytic performance was obtained due to the synergistic effect of nanostructured attapulgite, polyaniline and phosphomolybdic acid. The electrochemical responses of as prepared modified electrode were investigated by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The modified electrode exhibited linear amperometric response for iodate in the concentration range of 2.0 x 10(-6) M-5.2 x 10(-4) M (R = 0.999). The detection limit was calculated as 53 x 10(-7) M. Good reproducibility, high stability, fast amperometric response, and possibility of rapid preparation were also great advantages of this modified electrode. Based on this work, the attapulgite/polyaniline/phosphomolybdic acid modified electrode was successfully applied to determine iodate in a commercial table salt sample. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.