In the present study, we applied a nanofibrous ZnO seed layer and modified the stoichiometry of the ZnO nanorods (NRs) by Al and Cu doping. The microstructure, crystallography, electro-optical, and photocatalytic properties of ZnO NRs were studied. The microstructure studies indicated that changing the stoichiometry resulted in the formation of imperfect ZnO NRs. Also, the columnar growth factor decreased. In contrast, extra emissions were observed in the photoluminescence spectra issued by further defects in non-stoichiometric ZnO NRs. The results exhibited a higher photon absorption and optical bandgap for stoichiometric ZnO NRs. The hydrophobicity of stoichiometric ZnO NRs decreased by incorporating Al and Cu. By evaluating the photocatalytic activity, it was found that ZnO NRs perfectly aligned hexagonal morphology was more effective in the photocatalytic process than having further point defects. The kinetics study showed a better activity for stoichiometric ZnO NRs to degrade oxytetracycline (OTC). The highest photocatalytic efficiency was obtained 46.27 % for stoichiometric ZnO NRs.
