Zinc stannate (Zn 2 SnO 4 ) powder was prepared by a hydrothermal process at 200°C for 12 h. The material was characterized by X-ray-diffraction (XRD) and N 2 adsorption-desorption isotherms. The synthesized sample presented a pure phase, an average nanocrystal size of about 19 nm, a surface area (BET) of about 41.8 m 2 g -1 and total pore volume of about 0.19 cm 3 g -1 . Its photocatalytic activity was tested by the degradation of the leather azo-dye, Direct Black 38, in aqueous solution under UV irradiation. Adsorption kinetic data showed that the pseudo-second-order model was the most appropriate for the dye studied. Adsorption onto the Zn 2 SnO 4 surface followed the Langmuir isotherm. The catalyst showed highly photocatalytic activity towards degradation of the dye, almost equal to that of the TiO 2 -P25 Degussa photocatalyst. The results indicate that Zn 2 SnO 4 could be employed for the removal of dyes from wastewaters.