The hierarchical nanostructures (HNs) have engrossed immense attention due to their superior performance in catalysis, electronic and energy storage/conversion devices. The multicomponent transition metal oxides (TMOs) have been pointed out as more promising materials for advanced technological applications as compared to their counter binary oxides. Due to the advantages of hierarchical nanostructures and TMOs we have synthesized novel Zn2V2O7 hierarchical nanostructures using template free route. The photoluminescence of the sample exhibited an emission at 553.65 nm which can be useful for light emission devices. The hydrogen storage of Zn2V2O7 HNs were measured at 473 K and 573 K with an absorption of 1.21 wt.% and 1.81 wt.%., respectively. These studies point out a new class of nanomaterials for possible applications for energy storage and green emission optoelectronic devices. Copyright (C) 2015, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.