The Zn2GeO4 nanorod photocatalysts with Ag doping and Ag decorating (Ag-modified Zn2GeO4) were synthesized by a mild solvothermal method. The as-prepared samples were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrum (EDS) measurements. The one-dimensional (1D) Ag-modified Zn2GeO4 nanorods exhibited excellent photo-degradation performance using RhB and phenol as model for organic pollutants. The cycle degradation results revealed that Ag-modified Zn2GeO4 nanorods had an excellent chemical stability. The active species trapping experiment suggested that the hydroxyl radicals and superoxide radical were the dominating active species, rather than holes. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.