Zinc vanadate (Zn3V2O8) nanostructures were prepared via a simple precipitation approach in the presence of anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) surfactant as size and morphology controller. The effect of different parameters such as precursor of Zn, reaction time, temperature, solvent and pH on the size, morphology and uniformity of prepared products were investigated. As-prepared products were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum, electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), photoluminescence and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of Zn3V2O8 nanostructures were evaluated by degradation of anionic and cationic dyes in aqueous solution under UV light irradiation. Moreover, the cyclic voltammetry analysis of Zn3V2O8 nano and bulk structures was investigated.