This study investigates the photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) using a ZnCo₂O₄/N-doped g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite synthesized via the hydrothermal method. The synthesized nanostructures were characterized using various techniques, including XRD, FTIR, EDS, TEM, UV–Vis DRS, and BET/BJH. The results showed that the ZnCo₂O₄/N-doped g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite exhibited the highest photodegradation efficiency of 92.34% in 60 minutes of illumination. The photocatalytic performance was optimized by adjusting operating conditions such as irradiation time, catalyst dosage, RhB concentration, and solution pH. Scavenging studies indicated that hydroxyl radicals (•OH) played a crucial role in the photodegradation process. Kinetic analysis supported the pseudo first-order model, and the nanocomposite retained 83.38% of its initial activity after five reuse cycles. The COD removal efficiency was 79.55%, indicating effective degradation of dye molecules. The study highlights the potential of the ZnCo₂O₄/N-doped g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite as an efficient and effective approach for water contaminant remediation.This study investigates the photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) using a ZnCo₂O₄/N-doped g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite synthesized via the hydrothermal method. The synthesized nanostructures were characterized using various techniques, including XRD, FTIR, EDS, TEM, UV–Vis DRS, and BET/BJH. The results showed that the ZnCo₂O₄/N-doped g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite exhibited the highest photodegradation efficiency of 92.34% in 60 minutes of illumination. The photocatalytic performance was optimized by adjusting operating conditions such as irradiation time, catalyst dosage, RhB concentration, and solution pH. Scavenging studies indicated that hydroxyl radicals (•OH) played a crucial role in the photodegradation process. Kinetic analysis supported the pseudo first-order model, and the nanocomposite retained 83.38% of its initial activity after five reuse cycles. The COD removal efficiency was 79.55%, indicating effective degradation of dye molecules. The study highlights the potential of the ZnCo₂O₄/N-doped g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite as an efficient and effective approach for water contaminant remediation.