Cascade quantum dots sensitized TiO2 nanorod arrays for solar cell applicationsElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: synthesis of TiO2 nanorod arrays, CoS counter electrode and CdS/CdSe/ZnS quantum dots decoration, EDS, XRD, Raman, HR-TEM and J-V performance measurements. See DOI: 10.1039/c1nr10892a

Cascade CdS/CdSe/ZnS quantum dots sensitized titanium dioxide nanorod arrays (TiO 2 -NRAs) solar cells exhibiting a high efficiency of around 3.06% have been obtained. Under AM 1.5, 100 mW cm −2 illumination, a short-circuit current density of 13.83 mA cm −2 and an open-circuit voltage of 0.45 V are obtained. This efficiency is relatively higher than other QDs-sensitized TiO 2 NRAs solar cells previously reported in the literature. Cascade CdS/CdSe/ZnS quantum dots sensitized titanium dioxide nanorod arrays solar cells exhibiting a high efficiency of around 3.06% under 1 sun illumination are reported.