ZnO-SDS hybrid thin films were grown on ITO glass using the potentiostatic electrodeposition route from aqueous zinc nitrate solution containing surfactant sodium dodecyle sulfanate (SDS). The electrochemical process of the hybrid films was analyzed by comparing the cyclic voltammetric curve and current-time curve with those of pure ZnO film. Results showed that the addition of a small amount of SDS could decrease the deposition current density, and inhibit the growth of ZnO crystals significantly. The hybrid films electrodeposited at -0.9 V for 30 min exhibited smooth and platelet-like morphology, with the film thickness of about 110 nm. The well-defined ZnO-SDS lamellar structures could be clearly observed, with two interlayer spaces of 35.1 and 30.9 angstrom, respectively. Optical analysis showed that the hybrid films had good optical quality, and exhibited the fundamental absorption edge of ZnO at 380 nm. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.