Bi2WO6 nanoparticles were prepared using a hydrothermal method, and Pt was immobilized on the surface of Bi2WO6 via a photo-assisted deposition (PAD) method. The samples produced were characterized using X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet and visible spectroscopy, photoluminescence emission spectra, transmission electron microscopy, extended X-ray absorption fine structure, and surface area measurements. Furthermore, the catalytic performance of the Bi2WO6 and Pt/Bi2WO6 samples was examined in the degradation of methyl orange dye (MO) under visible light. The extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) results, which showed the presence of peaks assigned to the Pt-Pt at approximately 2.50 angstrom, indicate the formation of nanoscale Pt features. The UV-vis spectral analysis detected a red shift after loading the Pt into the Bi2WO6. The maximum degradation efficiency achieved was 100% with 0.3 Pt/Bi2WO6 as the photocatalyst after a 30-min reaction time. The catalyst could be reused without any loss in activity for the first five cycles. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.