In this work, Er3+:YAlO3/Fe-doped TiO2-ZnO composite, a novel photocatalyst, was synthesized by ultrasonic dispersion and liquid boiling method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Of which, as an upconversion luminescence agent, the Er3+:YAlO3 can transform the visible light in solar energy into ultraviolet light, satisfying the requirement of TiO2-ZnO composite for photocatalytic degradation. The photocatalytic activity of Er3+:YAlO3/Fe-doped TiO2-ZnO composite was evaluated through the degradation of Acid Red B dye under solar light irradiation. The effects of preparation conditions such as Er3+:YAlO3 content, heat-treated temperature and heat-treated time on the photocatalytic activity of Er3+:YAlO3/Fe-doped TiO2-ZnO composite were examined. In addition, the influences of solar light irradiation time, dye initial concentration and Er3+:YAlO3/Fe-doped TiO2-ZnO amount as well as organic dyes on the photocatalytic degradation were also investigated. The experimental results indicated that the Er3+:YAlO3/Fe-doped TiO2-ZnO composite can effectively utilize solar energy to degrade Acid Red B dye and its photocatalytic activity was much superior to that of Fe-doped TiO2-ZnO composite under the same condition. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.