Zn1-xMxO (0≤x≤0,1) solid solutions with tubular morphology of aggregates and Zn1-xMxO1-yCy:nMO(0,1≤x≤0,3) composites were obtained using formate-glycolate complexes Zn1-xMx (HCOO)(OCH2CH2O)1/2 (М =Co,Cu;0≤x≤0,3). The materials are tested in the oxidation of 1,4 - dihydroxybenzene under the action of visible radiation. It is established that copper in Zn1-xMxO (0≤x≤0,1) is more effective than cobalt. Its presence in composites leads to a decrease of the photocatalytic activity.