Cubic phase ZnAl2O4 (ZA) and CeO2 nanoparticles were prepared by co-precipitation method using ammonia as the precipitating agent. ZnAl2O4–CeO2 composites with two different ratios such as 50:50 and 70:30 respectively were synthesised by following hydrothermal method. All the synthesised materials were characterized by Powder X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD), Fourier Transformed Infra-Red (FT-IR) spectrum, Ultraviolet–visible diffuse Reflectance Spectrum (UV–vis DRS), Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (SEM-EDAX) techniques. Band gap of ZA, CeO2 and composites of ratio 50:50 and 70:30 were found to be 3.8 eV, 2.8 eV, 2.8 eV and 2.6 eV respectively. Photo catalytic efficiency of synthesised nanoparticles and the tailor made composites were investigated towards three organic pollutants Methylene blue (MB), Methyl Orange (MO) and Rhodamine B (RhB) under UV light irradiation. Percentage of dye degradation by ZA, CeO2, ZA-CeO2 (50:50), ZA-CeO2 (70:30) towards MB was found to be 93%, 95%, 95%, 99% respectively. Degradation of methyl orange using ZA, CeO2, ZA-CeO2 (50:50), ZA-CeO2 (70:30) was recorded as 93%, 94%, 95%, 98% respectively. ZA-CeO2 (70:30) composite showed 99% degradation of Rhodamine B. © 2020 Elsevier B.V.