Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were fabricated with Ag nanoparticle (NP)-embedded TiO2 nanotube arrays by using UV irradiation. The energy conversion efficiency was increased from 4.64% to 6.14% by the Ag functionalization, a 32% enhancement, which is attributed to surface plasmon resonances present along the entire length of the TiO2 nanotube arrays. Furthermore, the Ag NPs more effectively enhanced the energy conversion efficiencies in front-illuminated DSSCs than in back-illuminated ones. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.