This paper presents a facile approach to prepare highly efficient CdSe(S) quantum dots (QDs)-sensitized TiO2 photoanodes. Aqueous colloidal CdSe(S) QDs were synthesized and simultaneously assembled onto TiO2 mesoporous films through a one-step hydrothermal route with the aid of thioglycolic acid. This sensitization strategy involves the combination of linker-assisted assembly with in situ fabrication. It achieves high coverage and uniform distribution of CdSe(S) QDs within mesoporous TiO2 films, while keeping strong electronic coupling between QDs and the TiO2 substrate. The effect of the molar ratios of the ligands (thioglycolic acid) to monomers (Cd2+ ions) on the cell performance was investigated, and the experimental results showed that the cell based on the photoanode prepared at [ligand]/[monomer] = 3.6 achieved a maximum short circuit current density of 10.51 mA cm(-2) and a power conversion efficiency of 1.97% under one sun illumination (AM 1.5 G, 100 mW cm(-2)). (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.