Growth of free-standing TiO2 nanorod arrays and its application in CdS quantum dots-sensitized solar cells

► We firstly reported the preparation of free-standing TiO2 nanorod arrays film. ► The film can be easily transplanted on FTO substrate by using TiO2 sol. ► After heat treatment, the good electrical contact can be formed between the film and the substrate. ► By using the film as photo-anode, the CdS QDs sensitized solar cells exhibit a maximum power conversion efficiency of 1.27%.