In order to harvest the solar energy more efficiently, Bi2WO6 photocatalysts doped with Er3+ were synthesized, in which Er3+ with upconversion properties could transform visible light beyond the absorption edge of Bi2WO6 into ultraviolet light and activate Bi2WO6. The photocatalytic activities of the photocatalysts were evaluated by the decolorization of rhodamine B (RhB) and the degradation of a typical colorless model pollutant, phenol under simulated solar light irradiation (lambda > 290 nm). The results showed that the photocatalytic activity of Er3+-doped Bi2WO6 was much higher than the undoped one. In addition, Er3+-doped Bi2WO6 exhibited photocatalytic activity under a 3W LED with the wavelength beyond the absorption edge of Bi2WO6, further testifying the upconversion effect of Er3+ on the enhanced photocatalytic activity of Bi2WO6. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.