Nanocables of silver nanowire/titania sheath hetero-structure are synthesized and applied in photoanode of dye-sensitized solar cells. The metal/semiconductor hetero-structure builds Schottky barrier which favors the extraction and transportation of photo-generated electrons. The short circuit current is improved from 5.70 mA to 8.91 mA aided by 1 wt% nanocables with a conversion efficiency enhancement of 37.9% on 1 cm x 1 cm cells. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies suggest that the boost of short circuit current is ascribed to the reduce resistance in the TiO2/dye/electrolyte. The present results pave a novel path for high-performance dye sensitized solar cells. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.