In this work, SnO2 nanoparticles have been successfully prepared via two simple methods: thermal treatment and solid state reaction in absence of solvent and then were employed as a photo anode in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Tin Schiff base complex has been used for thermal treatment method and H(2)salophen has been used as shape and size controller in solid state method. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The best results were obtained for the sample prepared at 500 C for thermal treatment method. The photovoltaic properties of SnO2 electrodes have been investigated. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.