This manuscript reports a detailed preparation and characterization of mesoporous ZnO/ZnAl 2 O 4 mixed metal oxide (MMO) through a two-step solution procedure utilizing Zn/Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) as starting materials. The influence of the molar ratio was comprehensively explored via a number of characterization techniques. Field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed the occurrence of a sheet-like morphology with thickness of 65 nm at molar ratio (r = 6). Simultaneously, a mesoporous nature of the deposited film was observed through the surface area analysis. A considerable value of surface area was obtained (53.3 m 2 g −1 ) through which a high amount of dye was loaded on the deposited film (3.3 × 10 −4 ); the latter was evaluated via a regression equation in conjunction with the ultraviolet visible light analysis. This in turn led to a robust correlation between the anticipated surface area, pore size, and the estimated dye loading amount. Moreover, the optical and photoluminescence (PL) features were investigated using UV-vis and PL techniques, wherein the near-band emission (was observed at around 380 nm. The proposed work may provide an alternative eco-friendly approach for future visible light photodetector application.