In this study, quantum dots solar cells (QDSSCs) based on TiO2/CdS(SILAR)/CdSe(Colloid)/ZnS(SILAR) photoanodes were prepared using colloidal and successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) methods. The efficiency increased from 1.56% to 2.07% because the conduction band (CB) of the CdSe (size similar to 3 nm) QDs was increased compared to both TiO2 and CdS. As a result, the stimulated electrons were efficiently injected into the CB of the TiO2 and CdS. Additionally, we focused on the dynamic process in the QDSSCs using one I-V curve and electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS). (c) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.