Efficient quantum dot-sensitized solar cell with polystyrene-modified TiO2 photoanode and with guanidine thiocyanate in its polysulfide electrolyte

► Polystyrene-modified TiO2 film for quantum dot-sensitized solar cell. ► Obtain an uniform CdS QDs deposition on and in the TiO2 film. ► EDX study for different successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction cycles. ► GuSCN was used as an additive for the first time in the polysulfide electrolyte. ► The cell with an efficiency of 2.01% is the highest efficiency for a CdS-QDSSC.