The BiOBrxI1-x solid solutions were successfully synthesized both in water and ethylene glycol (EG), using a facile solvothermal method. The as-prepared BiOBrxI1-x solid solutions were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis spectrometer and so on. SEM images revealed that BiOBrxI1-x solid solutions formed 2D plate-like shape in water, and formed microspheres in EG solvent; except that BiOBrxI1-x formed nanoparticles in EG solvent. The photocatalytic performance of all the BiOBrxI1-x. solid solutions samples were investigated by degrading phenol under visible light irradiation (lambda > 420 nm). The BiOBr0.5I0.5 microspheres with highly exposed {1 10) facets showed the highest photocatalytic activity with phenol completely degraded within 80 min under visible light irradiation. In addition, a reasonable mechanism for the enhanced photocatalytic performance was also discussed in detail.