Abstract: A series of ternary composite photocatalysts of Bi₂O₃/Bi embedded in porous carbon (Bi₂O₃/Bi/PC) was prepared by the high-temperature pyrolysis of a bismuth-based metal organic framework (CAU-17(Bi)). They were used as photocatalysts for the degradation of organic Rhodamine B dye (RhB) in water under visible light. Results showed that the Bi₂O₃/Bi/PC composites with different Bi₂O₃/Bi ratios could be obtained through changing the extent of the carbothermal reduction of Bi₂O₃ during pyrolysis. The photocatalyst pyrolyzed at 800 ^oC showed the highest photocatalytic performance and had a wide applicable pH value range and excellent recyclability and stability. The components in the ternary composites exhibited a synergetic effect in the remova l of RhB, where Bi₂O₃ acted as a low-band gap semiconductor, metallic Bi transferred electrons generated by visible light excitation to the graphitic structure in porous carbon to inhibit the recombination of electrons with holes. The holes and peroxide radicals were the main active species. This study provides a new way for the design and preparation of visible-light active and high-performance photocatalysts for organic contaminant degradation in aqueous media by using metal organic frameworks as a multicomponent precursor.