ZnO:Au nanocomposites with high photocatalytic activity prepared by liquid-phase pulsed laser ablation

•ZnO:Au nanocomposites are prepared by liquid-phase pulsed laser ablation.•ZnO:Au nanocomposites are in the form of ZnO incorporated with Au nanoparticles.•Au incorporation increases light absorption and extends the region of light absorption.•ZnO:Au nanocomposites exhibit high UV and visible photocatalytic activity.•ZnO:Au nanocomposites can be used as photocatalytists to degrade organic pollutants.