In this study, Cl doped Pt(IV)/Bi2WO6 photocatalyst was successfully synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal route by adding H2PtCl6 immediately in the reaction system. X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms and photoluminescence spectra (PL) were utilized to analyze the morphology, chemical states, surface area and optical properties of as-prepared catalysts. The addition of H2PtCl6 to the reaction system inhibited the growth of Bi2WO6 square nanoplates but facilitated the generation of irregular Bi2WO6 nanosheets with enlarged surface area and extended visible light absorption. In the resulted sample, it was observed that Pt(IV) was uniformly dispersed on the surface of Bi2WO6 irregular nanosheets and Cl- other than that from PtCl4 was doped into the sample by forming ionic bond with [Bi2O2](2+). Compared with pure Bi2WO6 nanosheets, Cl- doped Pt(IV)/Bi2WO6 showed enhanced activity in photocatalytic decomposition of toluene under visible light irradiation (420 nm < lambda < 780 nm). The catalyst with theoretical 1.0 wt.% Pt showed the best performance, which degraded 25 ppm toluene thoroughly in 35 mm. Finally, the forming mechanism of Cl- doped Pt(IV)/Bi2WO6 in the one-step hydrothermal process was proposed. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.