ZnO. The above mentioned nanomaterials were synthesized by hydrothermal method by varying the molar ratio of iron and zinc salts followed by calcination at 500 C. The crystalline phase, surface morphology and size of the prepared nanomaterials were characterized by XRD, FESEM & TEM analysis. FESEM and TEM images indicate the formation of irregular shape for a-Fe 2 O 3 and cubical shape for nanocomposite systems having diameter in the range of 80-100 nm. The prepared nanomaterials were used for photocatalytic degradation of malachite green in aqueous media under solar light irradiation. The nanocomposites exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activity as compared to a-Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles. However, Fe 2 O 3 /ZnFe 2 O 4 /ZnO (Fe : Zn ¼ 70 : 30) nanocomposite exhibits highest photocatalytic activity. This result might be due cascade electron transfer mechanism in the ternary phase. Scheme 1 Schematic representation of the synthesis of Fe 2 O 3 / ZnFe 2 O 4 /ZnO nanocomposite.This journal is