Large-scale ZnO arrays with a series of morphologies, including nest-like, tower-like, and flower-like samples, have been successfully synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. The morphologies of the obtained ZnO arrays can be conveniently tailored by changing seeding conditions. The samples were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Their PL spectra depend on their morphologies and defects density. The morphology-dependent photocatalytic performances were studied by analyzing the degradation of methylene blue (MB) in aqueous solution. The nest-like ZnO arrays exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than tower-like and flower-like ZnO arrays. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.