•A facile co-precipitation method can be used to prepare graphitic-based composite photocatalyst.•The Co and Fe doping structures could enhance the separation efficiency and transfer of photogenerated carriers.•The coupling structure could enhance the chemical stability and photocatalytic activity. The photocatalyst Lys-FeCoLDH@g-C3N4 nanohybrids were synthesized successfully by a facile in situ co-precipitation method. It is found that the layered nanosheet degradation efficiency of Rhodamine B reached 98.07% in 90 min under visible light irradiation by photocatalysis. In addition, photo-electrochemical measurements demonstrated that the structure of 5 %Lys-CoFe-LDH@g-C3N4 could enhance the separation efficiency and transfer of photogenerated carriers. This study provides a new idea for the development of novel photocatalysts for the high-efficiency and active degradation of wastewater.