The invention discloses a preparation method for a snowflake-shaped ZnO/BiOI composite material. Firstly, Zn(NO3)3.6H2O and NaOH are dissolved in deionized water; then, lauryl sodium sulfate is dispersed into a mixed solution of absolute ethyl alcohol and deionized water; and next, the two solutions are mixed, and after magnetic stirring is carried out, a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method is adopted, and the flower-shaped ZnO nanorods are obtained. KI and Bi(NO3)3.5H2O are added into ethylene glycol, after a period of magnetic stirring, the prepared flower-shaped ZnO nanorods are added, ultrasonic dispersion is added, and after a solvothermal reaction, the flaxen snowflake-shaped ZnO/BiOI composite material is obtained. Compared with other shapes, the snowflake-shaped ZnO/BiOI composite material is a tightly-stacked laminar BiOI sphere formed on the surfaces of the ZnO nanorods, and the photocatalytic activity is remarkably improved. By means of the solvothermal method, the reaction time and the reaction temperature are controlled easily, equipment is simple, and the cost is low.