Three organic dyes XS24-26 containing N,N-dimethylaniline and butoxybenzene have been designed, synthesized and applied in the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The influence of secondary electron-donating groups on the performance of DSSCs is discussed. The dimethylaniline is beneficial to extend absorption spectrum, whereas butoxybenzene is useful to suppress electron recombination. XS26 containing butoxybenzene and thiophene unit gives the highest power efficiency eta of 5.67%, with a J(SC) of 12.36 mA cm(-2), V-OC of 680 mV, and ff of 0.67. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.