The article discusses the synthesis and characterization of vanadium dioxide (VO₂) nanoleaves using the thermal decomposition method. The synthesized VO₂ nanomaterials exhibit well-defined structural phase orientation properties, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV–visible spectroscopy (DRS). The FT-IR analysis identified characteristic vibrations of functional groups, while SEM revealed a variegated tree leaf-like morphology with significant diameters. The VO₂ nanoleaves have a low bandgap energy of 3.3 eV, making them suitable for dye degradation applications. The nanocatalysts demonstrated enhanced photocatalytic and antibacterial activities under visible light, particularly in the degradation of Brilliant Green (BG) dye and against various bacteria. The synthetic approach is noted for its efficiency, requiring less time and low concentrations for good morphological growth. The study highlights the potential of VO₂ nanoleaves in environmental and biomedical applications.The article discusses the synthesis and characterization of vanadium dioxide (VO₂) nanoleaves using the thermal decomposition method. The synthesized VO₂ nanomaterials exhibit well-defined structural phase orientation properties, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV–visible spectroscopy (DRS). The FT-IR analysis identified characteristic vibrations of functional groups, while SEM revealed a variegated tree leaf-like morphology with significant diameters. The VO₂ nanoleaves have a low bandgap energy of 3.3 eV, making them suitable for dye degradation applications. The nanocatalysts demonstrated enhanced photocatalytic and antibacterial activities under visible light, particularly in the degradation of Brilliant Green (BG) dye and against various bacteria. The synthetic approach is noted for its efficiency, requiring less time and low concentrations for good morphological growth. The study highlights the potential of VO₂ nanoleaves in environmental and biomedical applications.