A novel Ag/AgCl/ZIF-8 photocatalyst was prepared by anchoring Ag/AgCl on the surfaces of ZIF-8. The Ag/AgCl/ZIF-8 displays superior adsorption capacity and photocatalytic activity. The active roles of ZIF-8 included generation of superoxide radical and adsorption. The photocatalytic reaction mechanism of Ag/AgCl/ZIF-8 was proposed.