Visible light-induced Bi2WO6/rectorite (BR) composites were prepared by a sol-gel method. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectrum, Fourier transform infrared (FUR) spectrum, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET). The UV absorption edges of the BR-450 catalyst showed a marked red shift as compared to that of the pure Bi2WO6. The photocatalytic activities of the as-prepared samples were evaluated by the photocatalytic degradation of 4BS dye in aqueous solution under visible light irradiation (>420 nm). The results showed that the BR-450 catalyst exhibited a strong adsorption capability and a higher photocatalytic degradation activity than the pure Bi2WO6 for 4BS dye, which could be attributed to the synergetic effects of the adsorbability of rectorite and the photocatalytic property of Bi2WO6 in it. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.