We demonstrate the use of proper surface modification with (3-Glycidyloxypropyl) trimethoxysilane (GLYMO) to improve the stability of colloidal ZnO nanocrystals (NCs) and then incorporate the NCs into a silica-titania sol to prepare transparent and photoluminescent hybrid thin film. GLYMO acts as not only the stabilizer of ZnO NCs but also a component of the substrate sol. Detailed investigations reveal that the resultant photo luminescent hybrid films possess long-term stability, high optical transparency and excellent surface smoothness, and have potential use as flat panel displays, phosphor materials and light-emitting devices. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.