A method of making doped Alq3 nanostructures with enhanced photoluminescence is provided. The method of making doped Alq3 nanostructures with enhanced photoluminescence includes the steps of dissolving tris(8-hydroxyquinolinato)aluminum (Alq3) and a metal in water to form a solution. The metal may be terbium (Tb), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), dysprosium (Dy) or europium (Eu), for example. The metal may be provided in a water soluble form, such as chlorides and nitrates thereof. The solution is then subjected to ultrasonic waves (i.e., a sonication bath) for a period of approximately 3 hours to approximately 4 hours. The solution is then dried at a temperature of approximately 50° C. for a period of approximately 8 hours to form a powder of Alq3 doped with the metal. The powder is then formed into nanostructures of the Alq3 doped with the metal.