This research focuses on the eco-friendly synthesis of ZnO NPs from Zn (CH3COO)2·2H2O and moringa seeds. The synthesized nanostructures were characterized using various analytical techniques, including XRD, UV-VIS spectroscopy, FESEM, XPS, and Raman spectroscopy. XRD measurements and W-H plot transformation confirmed the formation of ZnO nanostructures with an average size of 24.9 nm. UV-VIS spectroscopy and Kubelka Munk curve analysis determined the direct conduction and bandgap of 3.265 eV. FESEM analysis showed low particle aggregation, with distinct grain boundaries ranging in size from 20.4 to 87.7 nm. XPS analysis confirmed the presence of Zn (2p), Zn (3p), Zn (3d), and O (1s). The Raman spectroscopy indicated that the E2H was the dominant mode, followed by E1(TO) and (E2H- E2L). ZnO thin films prepared by PLD and deposited onto silicon (100) substrate exhibited excellent morphology and well-defined topography, with a normal size distribution of grains. Zeta potential tests showed a value of approximately − 43.7 mV, indicating good stability of the colloidal suspension, possibly due to low particle aggregation. Dielectric measurements on sintered pallets at 900°C revealed high capacitance and dielectric constant at low frequencies within the temperature range of 289.935K to 310K. These findings confirmed the potential of eco-friendly synthesized ZnO for various applications, including energy devices and nanofluids.