A novel efficient absorbent for liquid electrolyte based on poly(acrylic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PAA-PEG) hybrid is prepared. The highest value of liquid electrolyte absorbency about 3.65 is achieved. The polymer gel electrolyte shows a moderate value of ionic conductivity about 3.24 mS cm(-1) and high chemical stability. Based on the polymer gel electrolyte, a quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell was fabricated and its overall energy conversion efficiency of 3.19% was obtained under irradiation of 100 mW cm(-2). (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier B.V.