Echinoid-like particles were synthesized and applied to dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). When echinoid-like particles were used in the DSSCs, dye-loading was increased because of its large surface area. Moreover, it was observed by diffused reflectance that scattering effect was induced by the micron size of echinoid-like particles. Although it was observed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis that more recombination was occurred in the echinoid-like particles, the enhancement of J(sc) resulting from the increase of dye-loading compensated the decrease of V-OC. As a result, the overall power conversion efficiency (PCE) was enhanced from 6.63% to 6.74%. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.