Self-assembled hierarchical nanostructures of BiO1.84H0.08 spheres have been successfully synthesized by a rapid, one-pot, low-temperature hydrothermal route under microwave irradiation. The as-prepared hierarchically nanostructured BiO(1.84)H(0.0)8 possesses a high surface area of 113 m(2) g(-1). By adjusting the reaction temperature and reactant concentration, the morphology of the as-formed BiO1.84H0.08 nanostructures can be tailored. As a new photocatalyst, the flower-like spherical BiO1.84H0.08 exhibits enhanced photocatalytic activity for degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under UV-visible light. The synthetic procedure is simple, efficient, and scalable for mass production. Therefore, the as-formed BiO1.84H0.08 hierarchical nano structures may offer great potential applications for decomposition of organic contaminants. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.