This study presents an efficient method for synthesizing highly pure ZnO nanoparticles using a Gliding Arc Discharge (GAD) plasma system as a non-thermal plasma source. The approach offers advantages such as simplicity, short synthesis time, use of readily available air as the source gas, and potential scalability, making it a promising alternative for sustainable ZnO nanoparticle production. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using various techniques, including SEM, EDAX, UV–vis, FTIR, XRD, TGA, and DSC. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles was evaluated against methylene blue (MB), Brilliant Cresyl Blue (BCB), and Congo Red (CR) under UV light irradiation for 2 hours and 30 minutes. The results confirmed the successful synthesis of highly pure ZnO nanoparticles with an average size of 27.18 nm and a band gap energy of 3.28 eV. The GAD plasma-assisted ZnO nanoparticles exhibited significant dye removal rates, demonstrating their potential as effective materials for photocatalytic wastewater treatment. This study contributes new insights into the application of GAD plasma for nanoparticle synthesis.This study presents an efficient method for synthesizing highly pure ZnO nanoparticles using a Gliding Arc Discharge (GAD) plasma system as a non-thermal plasma source. The approach offers advantages such as simplicity, short synthesis time, use of readily available air as the source gas, and potential scalability, making it a promising alternative for sustainable ZnO nanoparticle production. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using various techniques, including SEM, EDAX, UV–vis, FTIR, XRD, TGA, and DSC. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles was evaluated against methylene blue (MB), Brilliant Cresyl Blue (BCB), and Congo Red (CR) under UV light irradiation for 2 hours and 30 minutes. The results confirmed the successful synthesis of highly pure ZnO nanoparticles with an average size of 27.18 nm and a band gap energy of 3.28 eV. The GAD plasma-assisted ZnO nanoparticles exhibited significant dye removal rates, demonstrating their potential as effective materials for photocatalytic wastewater treatment. This study contributes new insights into the application of GAD plasma for nanoparticle synthesis.