Bi2Te3 nanotubes were synthesized by a two-step solution phase reaction.
Bi2Te3/ZnO composite photoanode was applied to improve DSSCs performance.
The composite photoanode can convert both thermal and photo energy simultaneously.
The Bi2Te3 nanotubes provide a direct pathway for electrons transport in photoanode.
The highest η of 4.27% was achieved in a DSSC with Bi2Te3 content of 1.5 wt.%.