This paper focuses on the research background of zeolite-based photocatalytic materials, the role of zeolites in photocatalytic materials, and their application in various fields. It focuses on the critical roles of zeolites in photocatalytic materials and their application prospects. It outlines the mechanisms of zeolites in different photocatalytic materials, including adsorption, structural stabilization, domain-limiting, electric field, catalysis, ion exchange, shape-selective, and solvation, which elucidates the potential advantages of zeolites in photocatalytic materials. This paper also systematically summarizes examples of the application of zeolite-based photocatalytic materials in the degradation of dyes, organic and inorganic waste liquids, degradation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), elimination of nitrogen oxides (NO