g-C3N4 modified with Li doping and Ag deposition has been successfully prepared via a facile and cost-effective method. The composite presents the excellent photocatalytic performance for the degradation of Rhodamine B. The introduction of Li and Ag could effectively increase the absorbance in the visible light region, inhibit the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs and improve the generation of reactive oxidation species. The synergetic effect between the Li doping and Ag deposition gives birth to the enhancement of photocatalytic activity of g-C3N4. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.