Solvothermal reactions of Zn(NO3)2·6H2O with 3,6-bis(1-imidazolyl)carbazole (3,6-bmcz) and 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid (1,4-H2bdc), p-phenylenediacetic acid (p-H2pda), benzophenone-4,4-dicarboxylic acid (H2bpda) afforded three coordination polymers Zn(1,4-bdc)(3,6-bmcz)n (1), {Zn(p-pda)(3,6-bmcz)·1.5H2O}n (2) and {Zn(bpda)(3,6-bmcz)·0.25H2O}n (3). Complexes 1–3 were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, powder X-ray diffraction, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 shows 3D structure with 2D nets inclined polycatenation. Complexes 2 and 3 possess an extended 3D supramolecular architecture based on their respective 2D layers through hydrogen-bonding interactions and the π···π stacking interactions. The solid state luminescent and optical properties of 1–3 at ambient temperature were also investigated. A comparative study on their photocatalytic activity toward the degradation of methylene blue in polluted water was explored. Reactions of Zn(NO3)2 and 3,6-(1-imidazolyl)carbazole with 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid, p-phenylenediacetic acid or benzophenone-4,4-dicarboxylic acid afforded three coordination polymers with different topologies and photocatalytic activity. Display omitted •Reactions of 1,4-H2bdc, p-H2pda or H2bpda with 3,6-bmcz and Zn(II) gave three CPs.•Complex 1 is a 3D entanglement.•Complex 2 or 3 is a 3D supramolecular structure based on different 2D layers.•Complex 2 exhibited good catalytic activity of methylene blue photodegradation.