The anionic dye Rose Bengal was found to surface chelate more strongly to SnO2 nanocrystalline films previously kept immersed in a solution of washed and dried AlCl3. Dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical cells made from such films exhibit enhanced quantum and energy conversion efficiencies. The result is explained as caused by binding of AlCl3 to SnO2 surface by elimination of Cl atoms and stronger bonding of Rose Bengal to Al, enhancing dye adsorption and suppression of back electron transfer by bridging of an Al atom between Sn and the dye molecule. (C) 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.