The synthesis of nanostructured zinc oxide（ZnO）and its applications in nanogenerators are investigated. High-performance ZnO nanorods are successfully synthesized using magnetron sputtering and hydrothermal methods. The morphology of the nanorods, grown under various conditions, is analyzed and compared using scanning electron microscopy（SEM）and other characterization techniques. A nanogenerator is fabricated by spin-coating Poly（methyl methacrylate）（PMMA）onto the nanorods. The influence of the generator’s dimensions and external excitation on its performance is studied using a controlled variable approach. The results indicate that the nanorods, grown via the hydrothermal method at 95 ℃, a concentration of 30 mmoL/L, and a duration of 4 hours, exhibited optimal morphology. The nanogenerator demonstrated the enhanced output performance with increased size and stronger external excitation. Testing results revealed that the generator could charge a capacitor to 0.5 V after 60 seconds of turntable impact and could illuminate up to four LED bulbs after charging for 240 seconds. This research confirms the power generation capabilities of the ZnO nanogenerator, highlighting its potential as a self-powered energy source for small-scale devices.