Effect of poly (ethylene glycol) on coarsening dynamics of titanium dioxide nanocrystallites in hydrothermal reaction and the application in dye sensitized solar cells

► We examine the effect of PEG on particle growth dynamics of TiO2 sols. ► Growth of anatase particles is retarded, while that of rutile is favored. ► The synthesized TiO2 sols are utilized in dye sensitized solar cells. ► Low concentration of PEG benefits the performance parameters of the solar cells.