Flower-shaped zinc oxide (ZnO) structures have been synthesized in a microwave at 180 A degrees C for 20 min using zinc nitrate and KOH. Detailed structural and morphology observation showed that the micron-sized ZnO nano-pencils grow out of the base of the flower-shaped ZnO structures. Photoluminescence spectrum measured at room temperature showed a sharp UV emission band around 390 nm which is attributed to the radiative annihilation of excitons. The synthesized PDMA and ZnO nanopencils are highly crystalline materials with one-dimensional morphology which improves the electron charge transport in the device. A distinctive photoluminescence quenching effect was observed indicating a photo-induced electron transfer. The solar cell devices fabricated from these materials demonstrated a short circuit current density of about 0.93 mu A/cm(2), open-circuit voltage 0.58 V, and efficiency of 0.16 %.