Preparation and adsorption behavior for brilliant blue X-BR of the cost-effective cationic starch intercalated clay composite matrix

► Novel and cost-effective cationic starch intercalated clay composite matrix was prepared and characterized. ► Adsorption capacity of the composite matrix can reach 122.0 mg/g for reactive dye (brilliant blue X-BR). ► Adsorption studies proved the intercalated structure can avoid cationic groups loss in aqueous solution. ► Be useful to design or fabricate economical effective biosorbents for reactive dyes removal.