Cd2V2O7 nanostructures have been fabricated by Cd(NO3)2·4H2O, NH4VO3 as precursor and diverse carboxylic acids as both fuel and capping agent via the simple and novel sol–gel route. Effect of carboxylic acid type and calcination temperature were studied to reach optimum condition. The Cd2V2O7 nanostructures synthesized by citric acid as optimum size and morphology is composed of particles with the diameter in a range of 10–20 nm. The purity, crystalline phase, morphology, and optical properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform IR (FT-IR), energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, and Photoluminescence. The photocatalytic property was performed using degradation of Erythrosine, Eriochrome Black T and Eosin Y aqueous solution under UV irradiation. The optimum removal efficiency is 77% in degradation of Eriochrome Black T.