The mechanism of photosensitization and the affect of binder on dye-sensitized ZnO have been studied by surface photovoltage spectroscopy. It has been found that the value of energy trapping level $E_{t1}$ on ZnO is 1.12eV (${lambda$ = 1,100nm) and that of energy trapping level $E_{t2}$ on dye-sensitized ZnO is 0.99eV (${lambda$ = 1,250nm) which is shifted towards a longer wavelength. The effect of binder on ZnO has been increased the efficiency of surface photovoltage, but it does not effect the values of energy trapping level. The acid-type dyes agree well with the prediction based on an electron transfer mechanism. The desensitization of the Na salt-type dyes for the intrinsic photoresponse of zinc oxide can be explained by energy transfer mechanism. It has been obtained that the dye-sensitized ZnO indicates the possibility of electrophotographic photosensitizer for the infrared range of light.