On the growth and photocatalytic activity of the vertically aligned ZnO nanorods grafted by CdS shells

► Vertically aligned ZnO@CdS core-shell nanorods were synthesized by a facile combined method. ► Photocatalytic activity of samples were examined under UV and visible light. ► The MB degradation mechanism was carefully investigated. ► The results were compared under UV and visible irradiation for the first time.