Display omitted •Synthesis of high purity ZnO nanoparticles with an average diameters of 6 nm.•Photocurrent response of liquid crystal doped with ZnO nanoparticles detectable across a broad spectrum up to 500 nm.•Enhancement of the photocurrent (up to 30 times) when nanoparticles are not functionalized with a surfactant. We report on enhancing the electro-optical response of nematic liquid crystal (6CHBT) by doping with increasing concentration of ZnO nanoparticles. Photosensitive response of this hybrid system is shown through the generation of a photocurrent at 450 nm. The critical role of surfactants to ensure uniform dispersion of nanoparticles in the liquid crystal matrix and their interplay with the charge carrier collection process are also demonstrated. These properties allow these hybrid liquid crystals to be used in the design of photodetectors integrated into liquid crystal displays without compromising its transparency.