In this paper, a high-performance photocatalyst of ZnO nanorod/Au composite arrays (ZAs) was synthesized via a facile low-temperature wet chemical method. The samples were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), photoluminescence (PL) emission spectroscopy and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption. The unique nanostructured composite showed great adsorptivity of dyes, extended light absorption range, and efficient charge separation properties simultaneously. Hence, a significant enhancement in the photocatalytic properties in comparison with pure ZnO as demonstrated in photodegradation of methyl orange due to the incorporation of Au nanoparticles in ZnO nanorods. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.