Dye-sensitized solar cells, in which nanoparticles of anatase titanium dioxide play an important role, offer an attractive alternative to conventional photovoltaic cells. The possibility of reducing the required sintering time and temperature for production of these solar cells is investigated. Following synthesis by a sol-gel method, anatase TiO2 was produced by heat treatment at only 225degreesC. Using microwave processing, crystallization to the anatase phase was achieved with a shorter heat treatment and a lower temperature than for conventional furnace treatments. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.