Bi6O6(OH)(3)(NO3)(3)center dot 1.5H(2)O nanosheets were successfully synthesized via microwave-assisted hydrothermal method and utilized for photocatalytic degradation of dyes in Water. The Bi6O6(OH)(3)(NO3)(3) nanosheets with thicknesses of 50-60 nm were first synthesized by template-free microwave hydrothermal method. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, BET surface area analysis, UV-vis reflectance spectrum and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Comparing with the samples synthesized via conventional hydrothermal method, the samples under microwave heating have the advantage of shorter reaction time, sheet-like morphology and larger surface area, which leads to more efficient photocatalytic degradation for dyes. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.