ZnS microspheres with a series of Mn-doping concentration were synthesized via a facile solvothermal route. The phase structures, morphologies, and chemical states were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The phase structure of the synthesized Mn-ZnS microspheres is hexagonal from the XRD patterns. UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra were employed to analyze the absorption properties of the samples. The Mn-doped2nS exhibited stronger visible light absorption with the increasing of Mn content. Their photocatalytic activities were evaluated by H-2 production from water and reducing Cr6+ under visible light irradiation. The as-prepared Mn-doped ZnS exhibited better photocatalytic performance than that of pure ZnS and the optimal doping concentration was 7%. The enhancement in photocatalytic activity can be attributed to the expansion of light absorption and the increase in life time of photogenerated carriers. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.