Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) is introduced to low temperature preparation of a good quality TiO2 film used in flexible dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The samples are characterized by scanning electron microscopy and UV-vis absorption spectra, the photovoltaic performance of the DSSC is measured. It is found that PVP can improve the dispersion of TiO2 particles and the adherence of TiO2 particles to flexible substrate, as well as the adsorption of sensitized dye to TiO2 film. Additionally, ultraviolet light irradiation can eliminate organics remained on the surface the TiO2 film and improve the surface state of TiO2 film. Under an optimal condition, a flexible DSSC using TiO2 film doped PVP and UV irradiation treated achieves a light-to-electric energy conversion efficiency of 3.02% under irradiation with a simulate solar light intensity of 100 mW cm(-2). (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.