Abstract A ternary hybrid, MNPs-MoS 2 @Au, composed of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) grown on a magnetic sphere (MNPs)-MoS 2 microflower composite (MNPs-MoS 2) was proposed for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection and visible-light photo-Fenton degradation of aromatic dyes. The hybrid was prepared by sequential solvothermal growth of MNPs and MoS 2 , and electroless deposition of AuNPs. A comparison of results revealed that the synergy among these components endowed the hybrid with a much higher SERS enhancement ability than MNPs, or MNPs@MoS 2. The dosage of HAuCl 4 and MNPs-MoS 2 to prepare the hybrid greatly influenced the SERS activity of the hybrid. Under optimized conditions, quantitative SERS analysis of dyes including CV, MG, and MB was performed with a low detection limit (1 pM, 0.15 nM and 1 nM for CV, MG, and MB, respectively) and adequate reproducibility (RSDs were less than 6% and 11% for CV and MG, respectively). The hybrid could also serve as a visible light-active photo-Fenton catalyst for efficient degradation of aromatic dyes, and the decolorization of 20 mg/L RhB was 90% in 40 min in the presence of H 2 O 2 because of a synergy mechanism among components confirmed by comparison experiment and first-order kinetics study. The multifunctional material prepared here possesses great values in SERS analysis, environmental monitoring, and restoration. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • A hybrid, Fe 3 O 4 -MoS 2 @Au, was facilely prepared for dye detection and treatment. • The hybrid showed strong adsorption to dyes and was easy to recycle. • Quantitative, highly reproducible SERS detection of dyes with LOD down to 1 pM. • Fast and efficient visible light photo-Fenton degradation of dyes was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]