Photovoltaics are regarded as the promising solution to resolve energy and environmental problems owing to their high power conversion efficiency and zero emissions. However, the narrow-spectra absorption range and serious recombination reactions at electrode/electrolyte interfaces are two major drawbacks for high-performance solar cells. Herein, a new way of synthesizing organic-inorganic hybrid CH3NH3PbX3 (X = Cl, Br or I) perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) is demonstrated by dropping perovskite precursor solution into anhydrous toluene. After a systematic study, the results demonstrate that the energy levels of PQDs can be tuned through optimizing the stoichiometric ratio of halide ions, showing good optical properties for photovoltaic applications. A quasi-solid-state sensitized solar cell with configuration of FTO/m-TiO2/PQDs/dye/long persistence phosphor/gel electrolyte/Pt/FTO is fabricated, yielding an impressive power conversion efficiency as high as 7.91%, which is higher than 7.26% for referenced device free of PQDs. The improved performances are mainly attributed to the increased light absorption as well as reduced recombination upon the incorporation of PQDs and long persistence phosphor into devices. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.