Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a multifunctional material with unique physical and chemical properties, including high chemical stability, electrochemical coupling coefficient, broad radiation absorption range, and high photostability. It is classified as a group II-VI semiconductor with a wide energy band (3.37 eV) and high bond energy (60 meV). ZnO has applications in electronics, optoelectronics, laser technology, sensors, energy generation, photocatalysis, and biomedicine due to its hardness, rigidity, piezoelectric properties, low toxicity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. ZnO can exist in various structures, including 1D, 2D, and 3D forms, such as nanorods, nanowires, nanotubes, and nanoplates. This review discusses the synthesis, modification, and application of ZnO. Synthesis methods include metallurgical processes (direct and indirect), chemical methods (mechanochemical, controlled precipitation, sol-gel, solvothermal, hydrothermal, emulsion, and microemulsion), and other methods like gas-phase growth and pyrolysis. The mechanochemical process involves high-energy milling and calcination to produce ZnO nanoparticles. Controlled precipitation allows for the production of ZnO with repeatable properties, while sol-gel and solvothermal methods enable the synthesis of ZnO with controlled particle size and morphology. Emulsion and microemulsion methods are used to produce ZnO with uniform particle sizes and shapes. Modification of ZnO involves surface functionalization with organic and inorganic compounds to improve its properties, such as photocatalytic activity, compatibility with organic matrices, and dispersion in various applications. Silica and organic compounds like trimethylsiloxane (TMS) are used to modify ZnO surfaces, reducing agglomeration and enhancing compatibility. ZnO is applied in various industries, including rubber, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, textiles, electronics, and photocatalysis. The review highlights the importance of ZnO in modern technology and its potential for future applications.Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a multifunctional material with unique physical and chemical properties, including high chemical stability, electrochemical coupling coefficient, broad radiation absorption range, and high photostability. It is classified as a group II-VI semiconductor with a wide energy band (3.37 eV) and high bond energy (60 meV). ZnO has applications in electronics, optoelectronics, laser technology, sensors, energy generation, photocatalysis, and biomedicine due to its hardness, rigidity, piezoelectric properties, low toxicity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. ZnO can exist in various structures, including 1D, 2D, and 3D forms, such as nanorods, nanowires, nanotubes, and nanoplates. This review discusses the synthesis, modification, and application of ZnO. Synthesis methods include metallurgical processes (direct and indirect), chemical methods (mechanochemical, controlled precipitation, sol-gel, solvothermal, hydrothermal, emulsion, and microemulsion), and other methods like gas-phase growth and pyrolysis. The mechanochemical process involves high-energy milling and calcination to produce ZnO nanoparticles. Controlled precipitation allows for the production of ZnO with repeatable properties, while sol-gel and solvothermal methods enable the synthesis of ZnO with controlled particle size and morphology. Emulsion and microemulsion methods are used to produce ZnO with uniform particle sizes and shapes. Modification of ZnO involves surface functionalization with organic and inorganic compounds to improve its properties, such as photocatalytic activity, compatibility with organic matrices, and dispersion in various applications. Silica and organic compounds like trimethylsiloxane (TMS) are used to modify ZnO surfaces, reducing agglomeration and enhancing compatibility. ZnO is applied in various industries, including rubber, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, textiles, electronics, and photocatalysis. The review highlights the importance of ZnO in modern technology and its potential for future applications.