Sn-doped hematite nanoparticles are prepared by solution combustion synthesis. The products are characterized with various analytical and spectroscopic techniques to determine their structural, morphological, light absorption and photocatalytic properties. The results reveal that all the samples consist of nanocrystalline hematite with mesoporous structures, and Sn has the ability to inhibit the growth of hematite particle. Compared to pure hematite, the doped hematite samples with appropriate amount of Sn show better activities for degradation of methylene blue under visible light irradiation. The highest activity is observed for 5% Sn doped hematite and this product has long-term stability and no selectivity for dye degradation. The enhanced performance of 5% Sn doped hematite is ascribed to the smaller particle size, increased ability to absorb in visible light, efficient charge separation as well as improved e(-) transfer associated with the effects of appropriate amount of Sn doped sample. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.