Composite gel electrolytes containing several kinds of particles used as the quasi-solid-state electrolytes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were reported. Mesoporous particles (MCM-41) with unique structures composed of ordered nanochannels were served as a new kind of gelator for quasi-solid-state electrolytes. MCM-41, hydrophobic fumed silica Aerosil R972 and TiO2 nanopatricles P25 were dispersed into gel electrolytes respectively. The solar energy-to-electricity conversion efficiency of these cells is 4.65%, 6.85% and 5.05% respectively under 30 mW·cm-2 illumination. The preparation methods and the particles sizes exert an influence on the performance of corresponding solar cells. Owing to unique pore structures and high specific BET surface area, mesoporous silica MCM-41 was expected to have the potential to afford conducting nanochannels for redox couple diffusion.
