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Herein, core double-shell direct dual Z-scheme ZnO–Ce 2 S 3 –MnO 2 nanocomposite was synthesized via a hydrothermal route along with pure ZnO, Ce 2 S 3 , MnO 2 , and characterized by numerous characterization tools for application in synthetic dyes degradation. The XRD, Raman, and FTIR analyses have confirmed the nanocomposite formation. TEM images exhibited the core double-shell morphology with an average particle diameter of 81 nm and stacking of ZnO, Ce 2 S 3 , and MnO 2. EDX confirmed the existence of desired elements in the grown composition. The varied oxidation states, presence of defects, and fast charge transfer were also revealed from XPS, PL, and EIS. The ZnO–Ce 2 S 3 –MnO 2 nanocomposite has an optical energy bandgap of 2.84 eV, capable of decomposing harmful dyes with excellent efficiency, 99.81% MB, 97.62% MO, 88.5% MR, and 58.9% EY in 40 min sunlight exposure. The effect of several operating parameters is also observed and obtained results showed the optimal catalyst dose was 20 mg, pH of 8, and dye concentration of 10 ppm. The scavenger's experiment suggests that •O 2 − and •OH are the main active radicals in the photodegradation reaction which is also evident in the dual Z-scheme formation. The MnO 2 and ZnO layers covered the Ce 2 S 3 (core) and dual Z-scheme formation allows rapid kinetics of redox reaction and provides plenteous channels for transfer of photo-generated charge carriers during photocatalysis. Thus, core double-shell direct dual Z-scheme photocatalysts having inorganic components could be an excellent choice for photocatalysis at the industrial level, particularly for water purification. [Display omitted] • Novel core-double-shell Dual Z-scheme photocatalyst ZnO–Ce 2 S 3 –MnO 2 was synthesized. • The effect of catalyst dose, pH, dye concentration, and reusability was studied. • Dual-phase Z-scheme boosted redox reaction kinetics with better charge transfer/separation. • •O 2 − and •OH dominated MB, MO, MR, and EY degradation under sunlight. • Durable and efficient photocatalyst designed for practical water purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]