$TiO_2$ nano-particle paste was prepared by ethyl cellulose, $alpha$-terpineol and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (dioxcyl phthalate) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Dispersion and absorbance of $TiO_2$ photoanode films was controlled by adding different amount of ethyl cellulose and $alpha$-terpineol. The morphology of prepared $TiO_2$ films was studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and the optical properties of $TiO_2$ films were measured by UV/vis spectra. Photovoltaic-current density was observed to determine the electrochemical response of DSSCs. Energy conversion efficiency was obtained about 7.1% at ethyl cellulose and $alpha$-terpineol at optimal mixed ratio (as ethyl cellulose: 0.1 g; $alpha$-terpineol: 1.5 ml) under illumination with AM 1.5($100;Wcm^{-2}$) simulated sunlight.