CdS-CdSe and CdS-CdTe core-shell quantum dots sensitized TiO2 nanotube array solar cells have been controllably prepared based on the anion exchange method using CdS quantum dots on the TiO2 NTs as sacrificial templates. The formation of CdS-CdSe and CdS-CdTe core-shell quantum dots on the upper and inner surface of the TiO2 NTs was confirmed by scanning electron (SEM) and transmission electron microscopes (TEM). These two photoelectrodes exhibit significant improvement of optical and electrochemical properties. Although TiO2 NTs/CdS-CdTe with a more favorable visible light activity, TiO2 NTs/CdS-CdSe have higher photostability and photoelectrochemical performance. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.