Ce-doped TiO2/NiFe2O4/diatomite (CTND) composite was prepared via a facile sol-gel method. This ternary composite combined the advantages of the following components: excellent adsorption capability of diatomite (Dt), visible-light-driven photoactivity of Ce-doped TiO2 (Ce-TiO2), and magnetic recyclability of ferrite NiFe2O4. CNTD catalyst was characterized by various analytical methods to investigate its physicochemical properties. The visible-light-driven photoactivity of CTND composite was evaluated by the degradation of antibiotic oxytetracycline (OTC) under visible light irradiation, the kinetic data of this process were calculated, and the optimal amount of Ce dopant was determined. The active species involved during this process were detected by various scavengers. In addition, the mechanism of this process was proposed. CTND exhibited ferromagnetism, thus it could be separated from water environment after degradation using an external magnet. The reusability test proved its good photo-stability and recyclability. We proposed that CTND is qualified to be applied in wastewater treatment. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.