Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are low-cost alternatives to silicon cells. Carbon materials can replace platinum counter electrodes. This study reports DSSCs using carbon-graphite with CuSCN. TiO₂ nanoparticles (~30 nm) and carbon black-graphite composites were used. Carbon-based electrodes improve efficiency, scalability, cost, and stability. The best conversion efficiency of 8.56% was achieved under AM 1.5 conditions. © 2023 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.