A novel Z-scheme heterostructure, SnS nanoplates deposited Bi2WO6, was successfully fabricated via a simple bath sonication method. The positive synergetic effect between SnS and Bi2WO6 greatly improved the photocatalytic activity of SnS-Bi2WO6 composites in dye degradation and bacterial inactivation. Under visible light irradiation, the photocatalytic degradation activity of SnS-Bi2WO6 composites (0.50 wt% SnS) was about 5.8 times higher than that of pure Bi2WO6. As for the disinfection experiment, the survival ratio for 60 min in the presence of Bi2WO6 and SnS-Bi2WO6 composites was 50% and 32%, respectively. This result was consistent with the photocatalytic degradation reaction. The mechanism of photocatalytic reactions was also explored by the quenching experiment and electrochemical analysis. It indicated that the main oxidative species in the photocatalytic degradation process were holes and hydro oxygen radicals (e.g. (HO2)-H-center dot and H2O2). In addition, the formation of the heterostructure could greatly suppress the recombination of photogenerated charge carriers. All these results suggested that the asprepared SnS-Bi2WO6 composites could be served as efficient photocatalysts for wastewater treatment. (C) 2018 Published by Elsevier Inc.