Spinel compounds (BaFe2O4) were synthesized through different routes. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transition infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) proved that the formation of the spinel structure was influenced by the sintering atmosphere and the spinel structure could not be obtained in an oxygen-deficient atmosphere. An excellent photocatalytic property of synthesized BaFe2O4 was found. Photocatalytic experiments were carried out on the degradation of methyl orange and the absorbencies of samples were determined by UV-vis spectrophotometer. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.