Visible-light-driven bismuth vanadate photocatalysts were synthesized using a homogeneous co-precipitation process. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results reveal that the obtained powders consisted of monoclinic BiVO4. Surface characterizations by XPS and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) confirm the presence of surface hydroxyl groups on BiVO4. All BiVO4 samples exhibited a higher level of activity than that of a commercial TiO2 photocatalyst (P25). The FTIR spectra verify the high photocatalytic performance of BiVO4 can be attributed to the rich surface hydroxyl groups that favor the high adsorption of IPA. The sample synthesized at 90 oC for 24 h (BV24) exhibits the best photocatalytic activity as evaluated using photodegradation of gaseous IPA and aqueous methyl blue, respectively. This high visible light photoactivity was ascribed to high adsorption ability, high crystallization, and large surface hydroxyl groups.