CdS quantum dots (QDs) sensitized highly oriented two-end-opened TiO2 nanotubes array membrane solar cells have been fabricated in this paper. The structure, morphology and composition of the photoanodes have been characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM and EDX, respectively. It shows that the flow-through structure of two-end-opened TiO2 nanotubes can absorb more CdS nanoparticles uniformly and prevent them from clogging at the nozzles of the nanotubes. The UV-Vis adsorption spectra also indicate that the CdS sensitized two-end-opened TiO2 nanotubes have high absorbance than that of the closed-ended nanotubes. The photovoltaic parameters of the QDSSC based on the two-end-opened nanotubes array membrane are as follows: PCE = 1.64%. J(sc) = 4.91 mA cm(-2), V-oc = 0.62 V and FF = 54.3%. The PCE value of 1.64% is about 3-fold enhanced in comparison with that of the QDSSC based on the closed-ended TiO2 nanotubes array membrane. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.