Nanorods of ZnO and ZnO/CdO were synthesized by thermal decomposition of their respective acetate without any catalyst at 350 degrees C. It is a simple and low cost method to prepare ZnO and ZnO/CdO nanorods. The decomposition temperature of acetate and the formation of oxides were determined by thermogravimetric analysis before the synthesis process. The prepared samples were characterized by different techniques. The photocatalytic activity of ZnO/CdO was tested by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) in aqueous medium under visible light and the efficiency of the catalyst has been discussed in detail. The method is simple, fast and cost effective when compared to other methods. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.