Hydrothermal synthesis of 1D TiO2 nanostructures for dye sensitized solar cells

► Hydrothermal synthesis allows the preparation of different 1D TiO2 nanostructures easily. ► Nanotubular morphology demonstrates the highest photovoltaic efficiencies in dye sensitized cells (DSCs). ► Morphology at the nanoscale level is as decisive for DSC efficiency as it is TiO2 crystal structure and surface area.