Hydrogen peroxide generation and photocatalytic degradation of estrone by microstructural controlled ZnO nanorod arrays

► H2O2 generated by ZnO nanorod arrays during UV irradiation was detected. ► ZnO nanorod arrays were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal technique. ► The microstructure can be controlled by varying reactants' concentration. ► Photocatalytic degradation of estrone by ZnO nanorod arrays was studied. ► Microstructures' effect on photocatalysis and H2O2 generation was discussed.