To support photocatalytic decomposition of TiO 2 in lowtransparent wastewaters or in the dark, we develop a novel ultraviolet emitting long persistent phosphor CdSiO 3 :Gd 3+ , Bi 3+ , which the persistent luminescence can last for more than 6 h (0.32 mcd/m 2 ). Approximately 68.7% of the spectral areas of the optimal sample can well match the absorption band of TiO 2 . The long persistent luminescent mechanism is discussed in details. The investigations of decomposition of methylene blue by CdSiO 3 :Gd 3+ ,Bi 3+ @TiO 2 composite reveals that the long persistent luminescence of CdSiO 3 :Gd 3+ ,Bi 3+ can not only support the photocatalytic activity of TiO 2 in the dark but also significantly increases the photocatalytic efficiency under ultraviolet irradiation. Thus, the CdSiO 3 :Gd 3+ , Bi 3+ @TiO 2 composite is potentially used as functional photocatalyst to treat the organic pollutants in low-transparent wastewater or in the dark.