In this study, a novel nanocomposite, AC@CuFe2O4@MCM-41@GQD, was synthesized using sesame waste. To evaluate its performance in the photocatalytic removal of the anionic dye Congo red from aqueous media, the effects of key operational parameters including pH, nanocomposite dosage, initial dye concentration, contact time, and temperature were investigated in a solar micro-photoreactor system. The results showed that this nanocomposite, owing to its mesoporous structure and numerous active sites, achieved high removal efficiency; under optimal conditions (pH 5, dosage 0.5 g L–1, concentration 20 mg L–1, time 12 min, temperature 25 °C), removal efficiency exceeded 96%. Comparative studies confirmed the synergistic effect of adsorption and photocatalytic degradation in the presence of sunlight. Kinetic data followed the pseudo-second-order model (R2=0.9970), indicating a chemisorption mechanism. The adsorption isotherm was best fitted by the Langmuir model with a maximum capacity of 62.50 mg g–1, representing monolayer adsorption on uniform active sites. Thermodynamic studies with positive enthalpy (132.40 kJ mol–1) and negative Gibbs free energy changes confirmed the endothermic and spontaneous nature of the process. The nanocomposite maintained significant efficiency over 6 reuse cycles. This structure is a promising, economical, and efficient option for the advanced treatment of industrial wastewater containing organic pollutants.