OICC Press International Nano Letters 2228-5326 7 3 (September 2017) 2017 06 28 Dye-modified ZnO nanohybrids: optical properties of the potential solar cell nanocomposites 10.1007/s40089-017-0211-5 EN Wasiu B. Ayinde Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, NG Prototype Engineering Development Agency, Ilesa, Osun State, NG Department of Ecology and Resource Management, School of Environmental Science, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, Limpopo, ZA Enock O. Dare Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, NG Nanosciences Laboratories, Materials Research Department, iThemba LABS, Somerset West, 7129, ZA Damilola A. Bada Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, NG Samson O. Alayande Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, NG Center for Energy Research and Development, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, NG Fatai O. Oladoyinbo Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, NG Mopelola A. Idowu Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, NG Bukola. O. Bolaji Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ikole Campus, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, NG Miriam I. Ezeh Department of Physics, Delta State University, Abraka, NG Rose U. Osuji Department of Physic and Astronomy, University of Nigeria, Nssuka, NG Journal Article 2017 06 28 Abstract We report the hybridization of ZnO with natural dyes [Laali, Zobo] or synthetic dye [methyl red] forming ZnO–laali, ZnO–zobo and ZnO–methyl red nanocomposites in bright colours. The structural, optical and dye photosensitization influence of the hybrid nanocomposites were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), UV–Visible absorption spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL). The surface plasmon absorption band of ZnO–laali and ZnO–zobo shifts towards red and blue, respectively, with significantly enhanced absorption intensities, indicating the interaction and optical influence of the respective dyes in photosensitization. Optical and absorption character of ZnO methyl red and bare ZnO are similar indicating the insignificant effect of methyl red on photosensitization. PL spectra of ZnO–laali and ZnO–zobo display enhanced UV light emission due not only to the surface electron transfer from their respective inherent isoplumbagin and anthocyanin to ZnO but also to the extension of the Fermi energy level to the ZnO. Dyes adopted influence the optical band gaps of the evolved hybrid nanocomposites.