CdSe/CdS quantum dots co-sensitized TiO2 nanotube array photoelectrode for highly efficient solar cells

► Uniform CdS nanoparticles on TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNAs) are obtained. ► A thin CdSe shell onto the CdS@TNAs is fabricated by chemical bath deposition (CBD). ► An one-dimension CdSe/CdS quantum dots co-sensitized TNAs solar cell is constructed. ► The effect of CdSe content on power conversion efficiency (PCE) is investigated. ► An improved QDSSC (PCE = 2.74%) is achieved by sealed annealing of TNAs.