▎ 摘　　要

Graphene quantum dots, as one of the pioneering materials applied in energy storage devices, possess outstanding electrical, optical, thermal, and mechanical properties. Concerning the commercial application of dye-sensitized solar cells, it is imperative to seek materials with highly effective photocatalytic activity. Herein, a novel carbon-based material based on graphene quantum dot nanorods has been prepared via hydrothermal treatment in addition to the syntheses of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with sizes of approximately 5 and 20 nm. Efficient photoelectrodes are fabricated based on graphene quantum dot nanorods (GQDs-NRs) decorated TiO2 and their use in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is successfully demonstrated with the maximum short circuit current density of 18.20 +/- 0.02 mA cm(-2) and an efficiency of 8.06 +/- 0.01%, which are remarkably greater than even traditional DSSCs (without GQDs). Hence, incorporating GQDs-NRs and GQDs with controllable size not only enhances dye-sensitized solar cell properties but also decreases the amount of dye or colorant required, which is significant for cost reduction and environmental protection. Thus, the present work provides a practical approach for configuring the size of GQDs-NRs and original GQDs for their onward utilization in TiO2-coated electrodes. The synthesized material shows high photocatalytic activity, making it suitable for efficient and cost-effective energy transformation devices.