One-dimensional Bi4Ti3O12 nanofibers were synthesized by an electrospinning method. Subsequently, through a simple in situ ion-exchange reaction between the Bi4Ti3O12 nanofibers and thioacetamide, Bi4Ti3O12/Bi2S3 hierarchical heterostructures were successfully fabricated. Controlled partial ion exchange brings about the close interconnection between the semiconductors to benefit the separation of carriers. The Bi4Ti3O12/Bi2S3 heterostructures exhibited enhanced photocatalytic performance under visible light. The improved photocatalytic activities are attributed to the visible light absorption enhanced by Bi2S3 and the formation of a heterojunction between Bi4Ti3O12 and Bi2S3, which can effectively accelerate the charge separation and transfer. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.