Evaluation of LaVO4/ZnO nanohetero-junction for the photocatalytic degradation of carcinogenic acid dye

[Display omitted] •The unique silver vanadate linked semiconductor nanocomposites effectively remove hazardous organics, offering a viable environmental remediation approach.•Silver vanadate and semiconductor material synergistically enhance photocatalytic activity in semiconductor nanocomposites, destroying harmful organic pollutants.•The nanocomposites developed for hazardous organic elimination are adaptable and sustainable, making them suitable for many environmental remediation situations. The global water shortage is a very urgent challenge, and scientists are tirelessly striving to discover a resolution. Nanotechnology treated water offers several benefits compared to conventionally treated water due to its absence of organic pigments and harmful microbes. This research examined the impact of light on LaVO4 nanocomposites that were impregnated with ZnO nanoparticles. The freshly made nanocomposites were characterized using a variety of analytical methods, such as SEM, FTIR, XRD, BET, PL, UV–Visible Spectroscopy, and antibacterial activity. Organic dye Acid Green-16 (AG-16) was successfully adsorbed and photodegraded from an aqueous solution using a LaVO4/ZnO nanocomposite. When compared to complete darkness, the LaVO4/ZnO nanocomposite’s adsorption and photodegradation activities are greatly accelerated by UV light. The ZnO, LaVO4, and LaVO4/ZnO nanocomposites eliminated 78.52 %, 81.86 %, and 88.56 % of AG-16 in less than 60 min, respectively. Nevertheless, UV-light photodegradation proves more effective than sole adsorption in eliminating AG-16. This groundbreaking research evaluates the catalytic efficacy of newly synthesized LaVO4-incorporated ZnO nanocomposite for UV-assisted degradation of organic dyes. Our investigation introduces an innovative catalyst system showcasing enhanced efficiency, holding significant potential for adoption in environmentally sustainable wastewater treatment methodologies.