The hybrid microspheres of ZnO/PS with different core-shell structures were prepared in miniemulsion polymerization. 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (NIPS) was used as a functional comonomer to enhance the surface polarity of ZnO nanoparticles and to prevent water from quenching the luminescent properties of ZnO. The morphology of hybrid particles was examined with a transmission electron microscope. The luminescence spectra were measured using a Shimadzu RF-5301 PC spectrofluorimeter (Xe source) at room temperature. The crystallization structure of samples was characterized with a Rigaku wide-angle X-ray diffractometer. The chemical composition and structure of the ZnO colloids, MPS-modified ZnO colloids, and ZnO/PS hybrid microspheres were analyzed with IR. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.