Effect of γ-irradiation on the growth of ZnO nanorod films for photocatalytic disinfection of contaminated water

► ZnO seed films with surface roughness and morphology influenced by γ-irradiation. ► ZnO nanorod films with morphology and texture influenced by γ-irradiation. ► Textured ZnO nanorod films improve the photocatalytic bacteria degradation.