The N-doped and pristine ZnSb2O6 photocatalysts were synthesized by a facile method. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis spectroscopy, surface photovoltage spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The photocatalytic activities of the prepared samples were evaluated from the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under full arc and visible light irradiation of Xe lamp. The XRD and UV-vis results indicated that the N-doping did not change the crystal structure, but decrease the band gap in comparison with the pristine one. The N-doped ZnSb2O6 shows the reduced surface photovoltage signals and the significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity under two irradiation conditions. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.