A series of new-type of donor–π–acceptor dyes (TCT-1–6) utilizing 1, 3, 5-triazine as π spacers were synthesized. These dyes were characterized by 1H NMR, ESI-MS, EA, and X- ray crystallography. Their photovoltaic performances were also investigated. An overall photon-to-electron conversion efficiency of 1.8% was achieved with the DSSC based on the dye TCT-1 (Jsc= 3.33 mA/cm2, Voc= 757mV, FF= 71.8%) under AM 1.5 G illumination ( ...