To achieve the efficient utilization of solar light energy, novel carbon quantum dots (CQDs) modified Bi20TiO32 photocatalysts were prepared with different CQDs contents. The obtained photocatalysts were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, XPS, SEM, HRTEM, photoluminescence (PL) spectra, transient photocurrent and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results showed that the CQDs were uniformly deposited on the surface of Bi20TiO32. The as-prepared CQDs/Bi20TiO32 composites were capable of utilizing both the visible and near-infrared light due to the active role of the carbon nanodots as up-converting photo-sensitizers. By the LC-MS-MS analysis, the herbicide isoproturon molecular could be firstly degraded to several intermediates and then completely mineralized. The CQDs/Bi20TiO32 photocatalysts with a CQDs content of 1% exhibited the optimum photocatalytic activity and could degrade 98.1% of isoproturon within 48 h. Its degradation rate constant was approximately 4.3 times higher than that of pure Bi20TiO32. The main active species in the photo-degradation process was h(+) and O-2(-). To further study the recycle ability of CQDs/Bi20TiO32 photocatalyst, the PAN supported CQDs/Bi20TiO32 nanofiber mat was prepared by coaxial electrospinning method. The composite nanofiber materials showed good photocatalytic activity and recyclability, which had potential applications in water/air purification field and biochemical protective clothing. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.