Three-dimensional (3D)-ZnO and FeS2 materials were synthesized on top of a graphene layer using a facile and cost effective hydrothermal growth method. Graphene/3D-ZnO was demonstrated as an efficient alternative to the standard fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO)/ZnO based photoanode in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) due to larger surface area, better charge transport characteristic and higher electrochemical activity. In addition, graphene/FeS2 nanostructures were also revealed as an efficient replacement for the conventional Pt counter electrode (CE). By exploiting the synergy of these components DSSCs with power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.04% were demonstrated under 100 mW cm(-2) simulated solar radiation. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.