We have fabricated gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) anchored graphene oxide (GO) on ZnO nanorods (Au/GO/ZnO) hybrids via a spray-coating method. The morphology of Au/GO decorated onto ZnO nanorod is examined using scanning/transmission electron microscopy. The electron transport ability at Au/GO ZnO interface is investigated using photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The photodegradation efficiency of methylene blue is found to be 62, 71, and 81% for ZnO, GO/ZnO, and Au/GO/ZnO, respectively. The excellent photocatalytic activity of Au/GO/ZnO results from improved photon absorption and facilitated electron transport at interface. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.