Bi(2)YVO(8) was prepared by solid-state reaction for the first time. The structural and photocatalytic properties of Bi(2)YVO(8) were studied. The results showed that this compound has the tetragonal crystal system with space group I4/mmm. The band gap of Bi(2)YVO(8) was estimated to be about 2.09 eV by plotting (alpha h nu)(2) versus h nu and obtaining the h nu axis intercept value according to Tauc's equation. For the photocatalytic water splitting reaction, H(2) or O(2) evolution was observed from pure water with Bi(2)YVO(8) as the photocatalyst under ultraviolet light irradiation (wavelength = 390 nm). Degradation of aqueous methylene blue photocatalyzed by this compound was investigated under visible light irradiation. Bi(2)YVO(8) showed higher photocatalytic activity compared to Bi(2)YTaO(7), Bi(2)InTaO(7) or TiO(2) (P-25). Complete removal of aqueous methylene blue was achieved after visible light irradiation for 170 min. The decrease of the total organic carbon and the formation of inorganic products such as SO(4)(2-) and NO(3)(-) revealed the continuous mineralization of aqueous methylene blue during photocatalytic reaction. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.