A visible-light driven photocatalyst, BiZn2VO6 (Eg, similar to 2.4 eV), was synthesized under the guideline of energy band modulation. The photocatalytic oxygen evolution activity for BiZn2VO6 was largely increased by chemical etching with H2SO4, accompanied by formation of a lot of pleats or furrows at the surface. Consideration of the specific surface area has indicated that the activity for BiZn2VO6 lies in the highest class ever reported and is much higher than that for BiVO4, which is known as one of the most active photocatalysts. (c) 2006 The Electrochemical Society.