BiOBr/semi-coke (SC) composite photo-catalyst was synthesized by a facile hydro-thermal method. The obtained samples were characterized by N-2 adsorption-desorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS). The photo-catalytic activity of as-prepared samples was evaluated by the oxidation of nitrogen monoxide (NO) under visible light irradiation. The results revealed that BiOBrISC composite exhibited higher photo-catalytic activity than pure BiOBr. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.