BiPO4/Yb3+ samples were synthesized by the solvothermal method. The phase and morphology of BiPO4/Yb3+ samples were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM and TEM. The XRD and FTIR results indicated that BiPO4/Yb3+ samples have the pure hexagonal phase. The SEM and TEM images showed that BiPO4/Yb3+ samples have the rod-like morphology. The doping Yb3+ ions would not influence the phase and morphology of BiPO4/Yb3+ samples, but had obvious influence on the optical absorption property and photocatalytic activity. The doping Yb3+ ions could induce the blue shift of absorption edges and the enhancement of photocatalytic activity. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.