Preparation, characterization and performance of a novel visible light responsive spherical activated carbon-supported and Er3+:YFeO3-doped TiO2 photocatalyst

► Er3+:YFeO3 could be as upconversion luminescence. ► Er3+:YFeO3/TiO2-SAC possessed the photocatalytic capability under visible light. ► Photocatalytic degradation followed the Langmiur-Hinshelwood kinetics. ► Photocatalyst possessed good physical stability to sheer force at studied range. ► Washing-calcination and pickling-calcination treatments can regenerate.