Nanoporous platinum counter electrodes by glancing angle deposition for dye-sensitized solar cells

► An effective way to produce nanoporous Pt counter electrodes of DSSCs by GLAD technique is reported. ► The influences of various nanoporous GLAD Pt electrodes on DSSC characteristics were investigated. ► Nanoporous GLAD Pt electrodes can effectively enhance active surface areas. ► Nanoporous GLAD Pt electrodes can enhance the catalytic ability for I3- ions reduction. ► Power conversion efficiency of the DSSC was enhanced by 12-13% with using the nanoporous GLAD Pt electrodes.