In this work, the Er3+:YAlO3, as up-conversion luminescence agent, was deposited on the surface of TiO2-SnO2 composite and then a novel sonocatalyst, Er3+:YAlO3/TiO2-SnO2, was obtained. The Er3+:YAlO3/TiO2-SnO2 was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Its sonocatalytic activity was examined through the degradation of Acid Red B under ultrasonic irradiation. The degradation process of Acid Red B was monitored by UV-vis spectrophotometer and ion chromatography. Furthermore, the main influence factors on the sonocatalytic activity of Er3+:YAlO3/TiO2-SnO2 such as Ti/Sn molar ratio, heat-treated temperature and heat-treated time were studied. The results indicate that the Er3+:YAlO3/TiO2-SnO2 with 3:7 Ti/Sn molar ratio heat-treated at 550 degrees C for 60 min exhibit a best sonocatalytic activity during the degradation of Acid Red B. In addition, the results also show that Er3+:YAlO3/TiO2-SnO2 displays a good sonocatalytic activity for other organic dyes degradation. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.