AuNR/POR hybrids show much higher efficiency in 1O2 production than porphyrin. Enhancement effect is stronger for anisotropic AuNR compared with spherical AuNP. Surface charge of AuNR or AuNP has minor effect on 1O2 production of the hybrid. Dominant mechanism for AuNR/POR hybrid in ROS generation for PDT is of type II.